§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on how the quality of libraries is determined, and on the results of evaluations undertaken in each local authority in the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [35246]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government have encouraged better planning and accountability in public library services through the introduction of annual library plans in 1998. This process was strengthened still further in April 2001 with the introduction of public library standards. From 2001, ALPs have been used as the main vehicle for assessing the quality of library services, as library authorities are required to use them to report on their current position against the standards and their plans for meeting them in the future. In addition, all local authority services, including libraries, are subject to best value, and best value reviews provide a further valuable insight into the provision and plans made by authorities for continuous improvement in their library provision. Before the introduction of the annual library plans, public library standards and best value, there was no on-going check of library authority plans and performance.
595W
§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the Government have spent on library book funds per annum per local authority in each of the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [35195]
§ Dr. HowellsFunding for public libraries generally is provided through the Environmental Protection and Cultural Services (EPCS) block and through council tax. In the latest Local Government Financial Settlement (for 2002–03) the funds for the EPCS block were increased by 4.2 per cent., a real terms increase of 1.7 per cent.
It is for library authorities to decide how much of their funding to allocate to their libraries, and then to the purchase of books and other materials, in line with their statutory duty to provide library services that are comprehensive and efficient.
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many libraries have closed in each of the past three years in England and Wales; [35802]
(2) how many libraries there are in England and Wales. [35803]
§ Dr. HowellsA register of all library openings and closures in England is not held centrally. However, DCMS was glad to note the opening of the new Epsom Library at the Ebbishall Centre in May 2001 with more floor space and longer opening hours.
The total number of libraries in England for the last three years has been:
Number 1997–98 3,053 1998–99 3,037 1999–2000 3,031 The figures reflect branch and central libraries only. They do not include mobile libraries or special services provided by English library authorities to senior citizens' homes and others in sheltered housing schemes. In 1999–2000 the figures for these two types of provision were, respectively, 440 mobiles and 14,617 outlets in institutions.
Library provision in Wales is properly a matter for the Minister for Culture, Sport and Welsh Language and the National Assembly for Wales.