HC Deb 16 January 1964 vol 687 cc57-8W
Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education if he will list the book stocks at present available in the libraries of each local education authority training college, the funds now available for building up those stocks, and the qualified staff administering each library, with their clerical support.

Sir E. Boyle

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education if he will issue a building bulletinon training college libraries for new libraries and for the adaptation of old buildings.

Sir E. Boyle

A report on libraries in training colleges, prepared by a group of H.M. Inspectors, was sent to training colleges in 1961. I am sending thehon. Member a copy. My officers have been closely concerned with the planning of projects in the training college building programme, including library provision, and I do not consider it necessary to publish a separate building bulletin on this single aspect of college design.

Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education in how many training colleges annual expenditure on new library books falls below £4 per student and £10 per member of staff.

Sir E. Boyle

For annual recurring expenditure the number in 1961–62 was 111. Later figures are not available for local education authority colleges, but the number of voluntary colleges has dropped from 37 then to an estimated 30 this year. In addition, voluntary colleges are receiving, where appropriate, a special non-recurring grant spread over a period of years to enable them to bring their book stocks up to an acceptable level, and I understand that local education authorities are treating their colleges similarly.

Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education how many training colleges have neither a tutor librarian nor professionally qualified librarian in full time, or nearly full time, charge of the library.

Sir E. Boyle

The latest information in respect of voluntary colleges was given in my reply to the hon. Member on 29th May, 1963. The information is not available for local education authority training colleges.

Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education how many training college lecturers in charge of training college libraries have taken one year courses in librarianship or passed the associate-ship of the Library Association.

Sir E. Boyle

This information is not available.

Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education, following his answer to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland on 4th July, 1963, how many training colleges have applied for additional funds for clerical staff in their libraries since that date.

Sir E. Boyle

I know of none, but colleges could make provision for more clerical staff without putting specific proposals to me.