§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are considering the use of the power in s. l0(1)(b) of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to instigate local enquiries where the Secretary of State believes that library authorities are failing to carry out their duty under s. 7(1) of the Act. "to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons desiring to make use thereof". [HL1448]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has instructed officials to seek information from six library authorities that have been considering service cuts to establish the details of, and rationale behind, their proposals. So far, the Government's actions do not amount to the formal use of Section 10 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, but we shall not hesitate to use our reserve powers if we believe that statutory requirements are threatened.