Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Oral Answers to Questions

Gloria De Piero Excerpts
Thursday 3rd March 2011

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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As I said, it would be wrong of me to comment on specific proposals, but I am sure that Bradford city council will want to consult extensively with local people.

Gloria De Piero Portrait Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab)
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The DCMS website says:

“We would be concerned if libraries were closed, or their services disproportionately reduced, just to save money.”

If the policy is not intended to save money, why does the Minister think that councils are proposing to close libraries?

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Portrait Mr Vaizey
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The Labour Government said in March last year:

“The Government recognises that library closures may sometimes be necessary but closures must form part of a strategic approach to service provision”.

I agree with that statement.