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To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will ratify the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols.[HL314]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will ratify the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols.[HL314]
The Government are committed to introducing legislation to ratify the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property and accede to its two protocols as soon as parliamentary time allows, taking account of all our legislative priorities.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to protect public libraries from closure.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to protect public libraries from closure.
My Lords, DCMS Ministers have taken a number of actions to oversee and promote the public library services provided by the local authorities, including writing to authorities to set out ideas that
they might consider before closing front-line public library services. Arts Council England, too, has launched the libraries development initiative, which is funding projects to explore innovative ways of working to help shape a resilient vision for future public library services.
My Lords, DCMS Ministers have taken a number of actions to oversee and promote the public library services provided by the local authorities, including writing to authorities to set out ideas that
they might consider before closing front-line public library services. Arts Council England, too, has launched the libraries development initiative, which is funding projects to explore innovative ways of working to help shape a resilient vision for future public library services.
My Lords, DCMS Ministers have taken a number of actions to oversee and promote the public library services provided by the local authorities, including writing to authorities to set out ideas that
they might consider before closing front-line public library services. Arts Council England, too, has launched the libraries development initiative, which is funding projects to explore innovative ways of working to help shape a resilient vision for future public library services.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to protect public libraries from closure.
My Lords, I know that the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, has a great interest in this and we all have sympathy for many of his views, but we are aware that some libraries have found difficulties in the present climate. To help libraries to become more efficient and successful in every way, the Government have transferred the MLA’s responsibility for libraries development to the Arts Council, which is working with local government associations on its new libraries development initiative. For the many noble Lords who are interested, a long list of projects that the Government have supported and which are receiving funding is available on the Arts Council website.
My Lords, I know that the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, has a great interest in this and we all have sympathy for many of his views, but we are aware that some libraries have found difficulties in the present climate. To help libraries to become more efficient and successful in every way, the Government have transferred the MLA’s responsibility for libraries development to the Arts Council, which is working with local government associations on its new libraries development initiative. For the many noble Lords who are interested, a long list of projects that the Government have supported and which are receiving funding is available on the Arts Council website.
My Lords, the Minister may be aware that the Public Libraries News website has recorded 121 libraries as having closed within the past 18 months, while over 600 more are currently threatened with closure. This Government have chosen to close libraries while they promote literacy, cross the digital divide and allow children to explore their natural love of reading. Is that a choice that they can defend?
My Lords, I am fully aware of the interest of the noble Baroness, Lady Bakewell, in libraries and children because we have discussed this several times, and I know that the literary festivals are mushrooming all over the country. Children’s literacy, as we have said before, is vital. We know how important it is for libraries not to close—we have a wonderful Library here—but robust data on the libraries sector are published annually by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. It is a local government decision if libraries are closed.
My Lords, I am fully aware of the interest of the noble Baroness, Lady Bakewell, in libraries and children because we have discussed this several times, and I know that the literary festivals are mushrooming all over the country. Children’s literacy, as we have said before, is vital. We know how important it is for libraries not to close—we have a wonderful Library here—but robust data on the libraries sector are published annually by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. It is a local government decision if libraries are closed.
My Lords, are the Government aware that there are 250 literary festivals in this country and that the numbers are increasing? There is an appetite among people and children for more books than they can afford. How is the declared ambition for improved literacy among children to be achieved if libraries are closing?
The noble Lord, Lord Jones, makes a valid point. We are fully aware of the importance of literacy in schools. My noble friend has just confirmed
that we are giving high priority to children’s literacy. We are all aware of the importance of libraries not just for books but as a social and peaceful space for people. People understand that this is not just about the facilities. Libraries also provide a lot of electronic information, but it all goes together. As I said, we are fully aware of the importance of libraries.
The noble Lord, Lord Jones, makes a valid point. We are fully aware of the importance of literacy in schools. My noble friend has just confirmed
that we are giving high priority to children’s literacy. We are all aware of the importance of libraries not just for books but as a social and peaceful space for people. People understand that this is not just about the facilities. Libraries also provide a lot of electronic information, but it all goes together. As I said, we are fully aware of the importance of libraries.
Can the Minister please comment on the fact that, due to the successive policies of Governments of all parties over many years, one in five adults in this country now cannot read to the standard expected of an 11 year-old? Governments of all parties have then expected business to go out and compete in a globalised economy with a workforce that is not fit for purpose. Will she please comment on the fact that libraries make a considerable contribution to enhancing literacy in the adult population at a time when we in business need all the help we can get?
The Secretary of State has a primary duty under the 1964 Act, but he must also make certain that local authorities uphold their statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. If the Secretary of State thinks that a local authority has failed in that duty, he may call a local inquiry to investigate, but it will not be for solely financial reasons.
The Secretary of State has a primary duty under the 1964 Act, but he must also make certain that local authorities uphold their statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. If the Secretary of State thinks that a local authority has failed in that duty, he may call a local inquiry to investigate, but it will not be for solely financial reasons.
In view of the concerns expressed, particularly by the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, who pointed out how many libraries are at risk, will the Minister tell me in what circumstances the Government will intervene to stop a library closing?
The noble Lord, Lord Borrie, makes a very valid point. The terms “comprehensive and efficient” are not defined in the 1964 Act. However, broadly speaking, the Act requires local authorities to provide free of charge access for people who live, work or study in the area to borrow or refer to books, printed materials and pictures in line with their needs and requirements.
The noble Lord, Lord Borrie, makes a very valid point. The terms “comprehensive and efficient” are not defined in the 1964 Act. However, broadly speaking, the Act requires local authorities to provide free of charge access for people who live, work or study in the area to borrow or refer to books, printed materials and pictures in line with their needs and requirements.
My Lords, in an earlier answer, the noble Baroness indicated that this is essentially a local government matter. However, does she not agree that under the Public Libraries and Museums Act, central government must ensure that local government does its job of providing an effective public library service properly?
The Government are building on the future libraries programme and the libraries development initiative, which is run by Arts Council England and is designed to test new approaches to the library service. In February 2012, Arts Council England and the Local Government Association awarded £230,000 to fund 13 library projects across England. At the moment, these difficulties are being looked into further.
The Government are building on the future libraries programme and the libraries development initiative, which is run by Arts Council England and is designed to test new approaches to the library service. In February 2012, Arts Council England and the Local Government Association awarded £230,000 to fund 13 library projects across England. At the moment, these difficulties are being looked into further.
In view of the importance of libraries, have the Government any plans to update and review the 1964 Act?
Yes, libraries are vital for children, as is their school, which also has books. Transport to get to libraries or to any other public places where children learn is, of course, of paramount importance.
Yes, libraries are vital for children, as is their school, which also has books. Transport to get to libraries or to any other public places where children learn is, of course, of paramount importance.
May I tell the Minister—
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the availability of the engineers needed to meet the targets for provision of high speed broadband in rural areas.[HL61]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the availability of the engineers needed to meet the targets for provision of high speed broadband in rural areas.[HL61]
It would be for suppliers to ensure that they have sufficient resource capacity to deliver any projects for which they are bidding. Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) is responsible for ensuring that all suppliers on the broadband delivery framework have provided the necessary assurances that they have sufficient resource capacity to deliver projects and local authorities are responsible for ensuring that suppliers selected outside the framework have sufficient resource capacity to deliver projects. BDUK has put in place a process to assure and monitor the progress of all projects in receipt of funding from them.
To ask her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the costs to universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers of implementing the provisions of the Digital Economy Act 2010.[HL36]
To ask her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the costs to universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers of implementing the provisions of the Digital Economy Act 2010.[HL36]
The Government have undertaken an impact assessment for implementation of the Initial Obligations Code, which considers the potential impact on organisations that provide internet access as a core part of their services. The actual obligations on these organisations will be known when Ofcom publishes its code for consultation later this year. However, the Digital Economy Act 2010 was introduced with the clear policy intention that there should be no category of organisations exempt from the obligations and the Government have not therefore singled out universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers for any special consideration in the code. As with any organisation, we expect libraries, universities and wi-fi providers to take their own measures to protect their networks from misuse.
To ask her Majesty’s Government what assessment has been made of the effects of the Digital Economy Act 2010 on the ability of public intermediaries to provide internet access to the public, with particular reference to public libraries and universities.[HL37]
To ask her Majesty’s Government what assessment has been made of the effects of the Digital Economy Act 2010 on the ability of public intermediaries to provide internet access to the public, with particular reference to public libraries and universities.[HL37]
The Government have undertaken an impact assessment for implementation of the Initial Obligations Code, which considers the potential impact on organisations that provide internet access as a core part of their services. The actual obligations on these organisations will be known when Ofcom publishes its code for consultation later this year. However, the Digital Economy Act 2010 was introduced with the clear policy intention that there should be no category of organisations exempt from the obligations and the Government have not therefore singled out universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers for any special consideration in the code. As with any organisation, we expect libraries, universities and wi-fi providers to take their own measures to protect their networks from misuse.
To ask her Majesty’s Government what clarification will be provided in the Initial Obligations Code for universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers on their responsibilities and obligations under the Digital Economy Act 2010.[HL38]
To ask her Majesty’s Government what clarification will be provided in the Initial Obligations Code for universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers on their responsibilities and obligations under the Digital Economy Act 2010.[HL38]
The Government have undertaken an impact assessment for implementation of the Initial Obligations Code, which considers the potential impact on organisations that provide internet access as a core part of their services. The actual obligations on these organisations will be known when Ofcom publishes its code for consultation later this year. However, the Digital Economy Act 2010 was introduced with the clear policy intention that there should be no category of organisations exempt from the obligations and the Government have not therefore singled out universities, public libraries and wi-fi providers for any special consideration in the code. As with any organisation, we expect libraries, universities and wi-fi providers to take their own measures to protect their networks from misuse.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the announcement in the Budget Report, how they (1) define, and (2) decide the super-connected cities that are to receive funding for ultrafast and high-speed wireless broadband coverage; and when, and on what basis, they will announce funding for the second wave of...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the announcement in the Budget Report, how they (1) define, and (2) decide the super-connected cities that are to receive funding for ultrafast and high-speed wireless broadband coverage; and when, and on what basis, they will announce funding for the second wave of...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they propose to replace the role of local authorities in appeals against British Board of Film Classification decisions; and whether there has been a regulatory impact assessment undertaken on the costs of such an appeal mechanism and the potential impact on film distributors and...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they propose to replace the role of local authorities in appeals against British Board of Film Classification decisions; and whether there has been a regulatory impact assessment undertaken on the costs of such an appeal mechanism and the potential impact on film distributors and...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what powers local governments have to protect children from potentially harmful film content; and whether they have any plans to grant local authorities new powers to protect children if a licensing requirement for the exhibition of films is removed.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what powers local governments have to protect children from potentially harmful film content; and whether they have any plans to grant local authorities new powers to protect children if a licensing requirement for the exhibition of films is removed.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of their commitment to protecting and conserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, what measures they are taking concerning the impact of the proposed Liverpool Waters development on Liverpool’s World Heritage Site status.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of their commitment to protecting and conserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, what measures they are taking concerning the impact of the proposed Liverpool Waters development on Liverpool’s World Heritage Site status.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish the instructions given to Mr Adam Smith concerning his role in communicating with News Corporation about the BSkyB takeover.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish the instructions given to Mr Adam Smith concerning his role in communicating with News Corporation about the BSkyB takeover.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether fly.co.uk is subject to regulation in the United Kingdom; and, if so, to which regulations.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether fly.co.uk is subject to regulation in the United Kingdom; and, if so, to which regulations.