§ Mr. Ray PowellTo ask the Minister for the Arts what assessment he has made of the effects of the proposal to charge for obtaining and notifying the availability or non-availability of an item reserved on those living in rural areas, ethnic minorities, and those whose library service is limited or poorly provided for in circumstances beyond their control.
§ Mr. LuceI have considered carefully the comments made by respondents to the library Green Paper. I have also taken account of library authorities' current charging policies on reservation fees. I intend that authorities should continue to have discretion to decide whom to charge, and whom to exempt or offer concessionary rates of charging, subject only to a maximum limitation. I will in due course consult on what that limitation should be.
§ Mr. Ray PowellTo ask the Minister for the Arts what evidence is available on(a) the time and quality of personal assistance to users given by libraries and library staff, (b) the number of requests for assistance that cannot be met within half an hour and (c) the effect of the likelihood of charging to particular classes of use or user.
§ Mr. LuceI intend to consult local authority associations, and other bodies as I consider appropriate, about these and other issues before introducing any regulations.