Public Libraries

HC Deb 26 March 2003 vol 402 c277W

Mr. Whittingdale

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of public libraries have internet access. [105011]

Dr. Howells

The £100 million lottery funded people's network programme has enabled £4,085 libraries in the UK to be connected to the internet, including all the libraries in Essex. This represents 99 per cent. of libraries in England, 95 per cent. in Scotland, and 100 per cent. in Wales and Northern Ireland. Only 39 English and 30 Scottish libraries, have still to be connected and we expect all but two of these to be online by summer 2003. This is a very significant achievement.