§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Minister for the Arts what information he now has about the current extent of the ban on News International newspapers in public libraries; and to what extent this has changed since his answer of 6 March, Official Report, column 219.
§ Mr. LuceI understand that at least 14 library authorities may currently be applying a ban. I have recently written to those authorities about whom I have received specific complaints to ask them whether the complaints are true and, if so, how they reconcile their action with their duties under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. I will consider what further action to take in the light of their replies.