§ Baroness Davidasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the increase in library stocks of books between 1978– 79 and 1981– 82 is due to the fact that more new books have been purchased or more old books retained.
The Earl of GowriePublished statistics show that the number of new books purchased for public libraries fell between 1978– 79 and 1981– 82. It appears, therefore, that the increase in bookstock is due to libraries retaining stock for a longer period. The figures for English library authorities are as follows:—
Total lending additions (M volumes) Total book stock (M volumes) 1978– 79 11.51 108.152 1979– 80 11.53 110.049 1980– 81 10.58 108.392 1981– 82 10.76 110.875