§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on future funding for school books and library books in Northern Ireland. [65109]
§ Mr. McFallThe Block Grant allocations to Boards in total will enable the School Library Service to receive £2.8 million in 1999–2000, an increase of 2.6 per cent. In addition, specific provision of £0.5 million has also been made to enhance the school library book stock. The amount is expected to increase to £1 million in each of the following 2 years.
In addition £1.45 million is being allocated to support projects within the National Year of Reading and the School Improvement Programme to enhance literacy and numeracy skills.