PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS ACT 1964 (AMENDMENT) BILL

That this House notes the provisions of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (Amendment) Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Wirral South on 1 December 2010; recognises the important role that local government funding plays in supporting cultural activity in communities across the UK; further notes with concern the decision by a number of local authorities to respond to cuts in funding received from central government by severely cutting or removing entirely financial support for the cultural sector; further notes that as well as enhancing quality of life, investment in cultural activity supports employment and economic growth; and calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to consider how a light-touch regulatory instrument could be introduced to provide protection for cultural funding and institutions similar to that enjoyed by public libraries under the 1964 Act.