Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Libraries and Regional Museums

Thursday 24 March 2022 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department works closely with public sector bodies to support libraries and museums, including a 5 million investment in library services through the Libraries Improvement Fund.
  • The Arts Council decides independently on applications for national portfolio organisation status.
  • The Minister is willing to visit Bury Transport Museum to view its proposed 10 million project at Buckley Wells.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Lopresti Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP inquired about the Department's efforts to support local libraries and regional museums.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support local libraries and regional museums?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Department works closely with public sector bodies to support the libraries and museums sector. This includes £5 million investment in library services through the Libraries Improvement Fund and £18.8 million of investment through the Museum Estate and Development Fund this year.

Answered
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Q2 Jack Lopresti Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP thanked the Department for significant financial support provided to Aerospace Bristol and asked if consideration would be given to its application for a national portfolio organisation.

Question

Will he give serious consideration to its application to become an Arts Council national portfolio organisation for 2023 to 2026?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Arts Council decides independently based on applications received. The Minister cannot comment specifically but wishes Aerospace Bristol all the best in its application, acknowledging it as a great institution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Minister cannot comment specifically

How: Cannot Comment

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Q3 Kevin Brennan Lab
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP expressed concern that libraries, which are accessible cultural institutions, may not be adequately supported by local authorities due to their statutory obligation.

Question

What steps will the Minister take to ensure that local authorities are meeting their statutory obligation and that our libraries continue to offer access to all communities?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The partnership between central Government, DCMS through various funds, and local authorities is important. If there are issues with inappropriate closures, the Secretary of State could intervene.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps mentioned

How: If There Are Issues, Secretary Of State Could Intervene

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Q4 James Daly
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP thanked the Department for investment in Bury Transport Museum, which preserves heritage and provides education and skills training. He invited the Minister to visit.

Question

Will he agree to visit that brilliant museum and view its proposed £10 million project at Buckley Wells?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Minister would be delighted to visit Bury Transport Museum, acknowledging its importance for preserving industrial heritage and education.

Answered
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Q5 Barry Sheerman Lab
Context

The MP, as chair of the John Clare Trust, raised concerns about neglect towards smaller literary houses and museums by the National Trust.

Question

Will the Minister do something for me and give the National Trust a good shaking?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Minister would be happy to raise valid points with the National Trust, although it is an independent institution. He meets regularly with it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Independent institution

How: Independent Institution

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Q6 Peter Gibson
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP welcomed investment in Darlington Hall and the Head of Steam museum by Tees Valley Combined Authority. He asked about further steps to support such heritage sites.

Question

Will the Minister outline what further steps his Department can take to support such local heritage sites?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The culture recovery fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund have supported many heritage institutions. The Minister would be happy to discuss further how the National Lottery Heritage Fund can support their goals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps mentioned

How: Happy To Talk

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Q7 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP highlighted a 27% decline in spending on local museums by local government since 2010 and asked about the Department's role in ensuring councils invest.

Question

What is the Minister's Department doing to ensure that councils invest in local museums so that we can continue to tell the story of our local communities?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

This is a partnership between central Government, local authorities, and private sector contributions. The Minister's Department provides support through various funds including £18.8 million this year from the Museum Estate and Development Fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps mentioned for councils

How: Partnership

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