§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the Library Association poll relating to closures of branch libraries in the financial year 1995–96, a copy of which has been sent to him; if he will consider amending the guidelines of the national lottery funding agencies to help public libraries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatMy officials were already aware of some of the issues identified in the Library Association poll, and have already discussed them with several authorities. Where there is reason to believe an authority may he failing in its statutory responsibility, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will investigate in line with the requirements of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
The national lottery is not intended to fund projects which would normally be funded from existing public expenditure, such as core public library services, for which local authorities have a statutory responsibility. The national heritage memorial fund's guidelines to applicants for lottery funds state that grants can be made where library buildings or collections are of recognised importance to the heritage. Copies of the these guidelines are available in the Library of the House. The Arts Council of England has stated that it can make grants out of lottery funds for the enhancement of library facilities through the provision of space for activities such as readings, literary events, exhibitions, concerts and performances.