HC Deb 10 January 2002 vol 377 c974W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the libraries based in the Buckingham constituency which have received funding from the(a) Public Library Volunteer scheme and (b) People's Network programme indicating (i) the nature of the project, (ii) the date of the award and (iii) the amount provided in each case. [23743]

Dr. Howells

My Department, in conjunction with the Home Office Active Community Unit, is match funding the "Lending Time" scheme led by CSV (Community Service Volunteers) to promote the use of volunteers in libraries. Expressions of interest were invited from libraries through the Library Association and six libraries have been selected to pilot the scheme. Buckinghamshire did not express an interest in this scheme.

All eight public libraries in Buckingham constituency have been awarded funds from the New Opportunities Access to Lifelong Learning Programme to support the People's Network programme. The funding will have provided, by summer 2002, 24 new terminals within Buckingham. The award was announced on 11 April 2001. Awards for individual libraries are not available. In total, Buckinghamshire library service will receive £827,138 to connect all its libraries to a high speed broadband network, and provide new PCs and appropriate training for librarians.