Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Smith of Finsbury (Labour) on Monday, 9 April 2001 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, what measures he is taking to encourage the recruitment and retention of music librarians by public libraries; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he is taking to encourage the recruitment and retention of music librarians by public libraries; and if he will make a statement. [157562] Mr. Chris Smith: My responsibility under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 is to ensure that library authorities in England meet their statutory duty to provide a "comprehensive and efficient" public library service. The day-to-day management of library services, however, is for library authorities, who must make their own decisions about the detailed nature of the library service they provide, based on local resources and priorities. This includes such matters as the numbers, grading and qualifications of staff, and where they are employed within the library service.

Secondary information