Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 October 1999. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 1999 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will list those local authorities to which, within the last year, he has made written representations over their plans to reduce local library services. - (Holding answer 26 October 1999).

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those local authorities to which, within the last year, he has made written representations over their plans to reduce local library services. [95130] Mr. Chris Smith: [holding answer 25 October 1999]: My Department has been involved in detailed discussions with 10 authorities about major changes to their library services, including service reductions. It is our policy at this stage not to name or list the authorities concerned. Our experience is that there is more chance of finding acceptable resolutions if this policy is followed, and indeed this has happened in several cases already.

Secondary information