MIDLANDS AMATEUR ORCHESTRAS AND CLOSURE OF YORKSHIRE LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION MUSIC AND DRAMA SERVICE

That this House notes with concern the recent announcement of the intended closure of the Yorkshire Libraries and Information (YLI) Music and Drama Service currently operating from Wakefield Library's headquarters; believes that closure will mean dispersal and/or privatisation of a hugely rich and valuable resource housing over 500,000 musical items, in addition to information and drama scripts; further notes that the YLI Music and Drama Library is the only archive of its kind in the region and that its closure will have a serious effect on no fewerthan 80 amateur orchestras and drama groups throughout the Midlands and many more across the UKas a whole; and calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to take all necessary steps to ensurethe continuance of the YLI Music and Drama Service thus preserving the musical heritage of the UK.