§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many public libraries have been open and operational in Wales in each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe number of public library service points, which include mobile libraries, provision in hospitals and residential houses etc, as well as public library buildings are:
Number 1979–80 807 1980–81 923 1981–82 966 1982–83 948 1983–84 968 1984–85 1,005 1985–86 978 1986–87 1,156 1987–88 1,218 1988–89 1,242 1989–90 1,267 1990–91 1,318 1991–92 1,386 Source: The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Public Library Statistoics.
I am pleased to note the steady increase in the number of library service points in Wales.