§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Minister of the Arts what action he proposes to take regarding the banning of News International newspapers in public libraries in England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceI am watching the situation closely. The three authorities involved in the High Court proceedings, Camden, Ealing, and Hammersmith and Fulham, lifted 731W the ban following the judgment, as have 14 others: Barnsley, Birmingham, Greenwich, Hackney, Harringey, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Knowsley, Manchester, St. Helens, Sheffield, Southwark, and Waltham Forest. Six other authorities lifted the ban before the judgment: Coventry, Doncaster, Kirklees, Salford, Sandwell and Staffordshire.
I understand that only two authorities are currently not providing News International newspapers. These are Brent and Newham. News International has indicated that it may institute proceedings against authorities which do not lift the bans. It would not be sensible for me to take further action while News International action is pending, not least because of the additional costs to ratepayers if legal action is duplicated.