Written question asked by Stephen Hesford (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 15 May 2009. It was answered by Barbara Follett (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2009 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Wirral Library Service

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his timetable is for making a decision on the Wirral Library Service following receipt of the report of the Charteris Review into the service.

Answer: When the Secretary of State announced the Wirral Library Inquiry in April he said it would not be a "long, drawn-out affair", and the momentum has been maintained. The local inquiry, which has now been announced, will be convened at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, on 9 June 2009 at 9.30 am. As lead on the inquiry, Sue Charteris will then write a formal report and submit it to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's decision as to whether Wirral metropolitan borough council's plans are consistent with their statutory duties will follow as soon as he has had the opportunity to consider the evidence. DCMS will publish Sue Charteris's report at the same time.

Secondary information