§ 17. Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance he provides to local authorities on the minimum level of service that public libraries should provide to their local communities. [114870]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThere is currently no defined minimum level of public library service, but all library authorities must meet the requirement of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a "comprehensive and efficient" service. In order to assist them, I will be issuing a draft set of public library standards for consultation later in the spring, and will be bringing the final version into force from 1 April 2001.