Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 June 2004. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Monday, 7 June 2004 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 steps her Department is taking to improve the availability in public libraries of reading material for those with reading disabilities.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to improve the availability in public libraries of reading material for those with reading disabilities. [176522] Estelle Morris: It is for local authorities to make decisions about the reading stock provided in public libraries. We have funded the National Library for the Blind to provide seminars for library staff, and people with sight problems to promote a better understanding of services available and customer needs. With the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) we are bringing together a number of disability organisations and library agencies, to look at what practical improvements could be made. The People's Network of computers in all libraries, provided by early last year with 100 million from the National Lottery, enables texts to be printed in large formats. MLA is looking at how this and other services could be improved.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 176522; 422 c50W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Disability Disability aids Public libraries Reading Visual impairment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk