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Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Answer

Mr. Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the quality of annual library plans which have been submitted to his Department. [158231] Mr. Alan Howarth: Overall, the quality of Annual Library Plans has much improved since they were introduced in 1998. I see this as a very positive development, indicative of the increased importance that library authorities are attaching to their duties. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that for the first time more authorities have been assessed as providing `good' plans than submitting `satisfactory' plans. In 2000, 73 library authorities were rated as `good', 71 plans were `satisfactory', and only five were rated as `poor'; we found none to be unacceptable. I am taking steps to help the five authorities rated as `poor' improve their position. My right hon. Friend published a report on last year's Annual Library Plans in January, and copies of the report, "Appraisal of Annual Library Plans 2000, Report on Outcomes and Issues", have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Copies of the report can also be obtained freely from my Department (write to Andy Birleson, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur street, London SW1Y 5DH; or telephone on 0207 211 6128; or email to andrew.birleson@culture.gsi,gov.uk.) In addition, the report can be accessed via the Department's website www.culture.gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

158231; 367 c251-2W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Libraries Local government Publications Local government services Public libraries Standards

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk