Public Libraries: Closures

Baroness Gardner of Parkes Excerpts

Monday 12th September 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Peston]

My Lords—

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

I think it is our side; the Question came from the noble Lord’s side. Can the Minister tell me how many libraries are threatened by closure?

[Baroness Rawlings]

My noble friend Lady Gardner asks a very good question. Detailed data about the library sector are published annually. Local authorities are in the process of consulting. However, the DCMS monitors proposals as well as any changes that are made to library services from information it has gathered via correspondence and media coverage and from relevant bodies such as the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.