Libraries
Debate between Lord Stoneham of Droxford and Baroness Rawlings
Lord Stoneham of Droxford
In view of the importance of libraries, have the Government any plans to update and review the 1964 Act?
Baroness Rawlings
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.
Phone Hacking
Debate between Lord Stoneham of Droxford and Baroness Rawlings
Baroness Rawlings
My Lords, we are all against, obviously, corrupt practices, and the making of payments to police officers by journalists is a serious crime. These allegations are being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The IPCC is experienced in investigating allegations of corrupt behaviour by police. These range from allegations of corrupt relationships, misuse of public funds and abuse of powers to inappropriate sexual relationships. This is the first time that the IPCC has overseen an investigation concerning allegations of police payments specifically from journalists.
Lord Stoneham of Droxford
Assuming that a strengthened Press Complaints Commission emerges from the current public debate, will the Government consider withdrawing the VAT exemption on those newspapers which do not join the new regulation process?
Baroness Rawlings
My Lords, I have read about that and at the minute we are waiting for the Leveson report, which will be giving us details and assessing that point.