Library and Information Commission (Hansard, 31 January 1995)

§ Mr. Dorrell

The reaction since my predecessor announced in July 1993 his intention to draw up proposals for a co-ordinating body to advise Government on library and information issues has been very positive. Responses to the consultation document issued in February 1994 showed broad support for the proposals in the library and information community. Having regard to this, I announced in October 1994 that the Government would be proceeding with the establishment of the Library and Information Commission.

I have now appointed as the commission's first chairman, Mr. Matthew Evans, chairman of Faber and Faber Ltd. His appointment will run for three years until 31 December 1997 and will be renewable by mutual consent. Among many other qualities, Mr. Evans combines the cultural and economic awareness the library and information sector must encompass if it is, as the Government intend, to make a significant contribution to the success of organisations and individuals as the United Kingdom moves into the next century.

After further consultation with my ministerial colleagues and with Mr. Evans, I shall in due course announce to the House the remainder of my appointments 618W to the commission, which I envisage will number around a dozen.

I can now confirm the formal terms of reference for the new commission, which state that it will: advise Government Departments representing the United Kingdom in European Union and other international policy-making bodies on the implications of their activities for library and information services; develop, in association with the relevant Government Departments as far as necessary to achieve consonance with Government policy, a strategy for research and development requirements in the library and information field, having regard to the needs and interests of all areas of library and information activity and of all parts of the United Kingdom, and secure the disbursement of the available funds in accordance with that strategy; advise on, and where necessary to draw the Government's attention to, the implications for library and information services, including the commercial information sector, of particular policy or technological developments; as necessary advise on and assist the Government in developing and keeping up-to-date library and information policies and support activity which gives effect to such policies; provide independent expert advice as necessary on specific issues referred to it by Government Departments or other relevant bodies; advise Government Departments which so request on co-ordinating, and avoiding unnecessary duplication between, information services of different types and assume such executive activities in support of this aim as the Government may specify and resources permit; and co-operate as it and the Government see fit with other relevant bodies.

The Secretaries of State for Scotland, for Wales and for Northern Ireland have carefully considered the proposals to establish a new body. My colleagues in Scotland and Wales have concluded that, in view of the different traditions, statutory provisions, where appropriate, and the present organisational arrangements applying to Scotland and Wales, as well as existing mechanisms for co-operation, the remit of the new commission should not for most purposes extend to those countries. In the areas of international representation and research strategy, however, the commission's remit will he United Kingdom-wide. For each of these functions, the commission will operate primarily through sub-committees. The arrangements for these sub-committees, including their terms of reference and their representation of Scottish and Welsh interests, will be determined in consultation with my right hon. friends.

I shall, as proposed in the consultation document, shortly wind up the existing Library and Information Services Council (England). At the same time, in close co-operation with the local authorities, I shall be establishing a new advisory council to advise me on my responsibilities under the terms of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 and in particular on public libraries in England.