asked Her Majesty's Government:What action they will take in response to the publication in the Appraisal of Annual Library Plans 1999 of a list of 10 authorities (Hackney, Haringey, Dudley, Sefton, Bracknell Forest, Poole, Thurrock, West Berkshire, Dorset, Warwickshire) whose plan assessments are graded as "poor". [HL1138]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is adopting the procedure set out in Recommendation 10.2 of the Appraisal of Annual Library Plans 1999. His Chief Library Adviser has therefore written to all 10 authorities asking them to address the weaknesses identified in the individual feedback about their plan, and to present the redrafted version to their local committee or Cabinet member to ensure that they have a sound basis for their 2000 plans, and to report back to the department on their action.