HANSARDCommons07 Mar 20194 contributions

Public Libraries: Northamptonshire

Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)
ConservativeKettering
11. If he will take steps to prevent the closure of public libraries in Northamptonshire.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Michael Ellis)
ConservativeNorthampton North
Northamptonshire County Council is responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive and efficient library service. The Department is aware of its plans for changes to the service. Officials have been in regular discussions with it, as I have too.
Mr Hollobone
ConservativeKettering
Against a very challenging financial background, will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating the county council on finally coming up with sensible plans to keep all the libraries open?
Michael Ellis
ConservativeNorthampton North
Yes, I will, and I thank my hon. Friend for his work in this regard over many months. I have been in touch with the council leader and the chief executive. I am pleased to confirm that their plan is not to close any libraries in Northamptonshire. They are working towards that end, and he, I and others in Northamptonshire have worked and lobbied in that regard, but we will continue to monitor the situation carefully.