§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to require local authority libraries to charge for their services.
§ Mr. Luce[holding answer 12 January 1989]As my consultative paper stated, the Government are committed to the continuing provision of a free basic public library service to individuals. Library authorities already have discretionary powers to charge for some services, and as my consultative paper made clear any additional powers which might be introduced would also be discretionary. As I said on 8 December in reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mr. Fisher) at column 2561 shall make a statement shortly.