HC Deb 27 March 1987 vol 113 cc292-3W
Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Minister for the Arts if he will give the total number of books held in public libraries in England and Wales for 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

No statistics are available for 1960. Approximate figures for England and Wales for subsequent years, as published by CIPFA, are as follows:

million
1965 71.7
1970 97.7
1975 77.8
1980 118.0
1985 1121.2
1 Figures adjusted to include data from some authorities which did not render returns to CIPFA.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Minister for the Arts what representations he has had about possible initiatives to increase the number of people using the public library service.

Mr. Luce

None.

Mr. Spencer

asked the Minister for the Arts what estimate he has of the growth in service points in public libraries in the 10 year period to 1984–85.

Mr. Luce

Statistics published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy show an increase in the total number of service points in England from 9,720 in 1975 to 15,238 in 1985.