I have been working hard to challenge Lancashire County Council's decision to close a number of Libraries across the County. Last year I asked the Government to intervene as it was my view that by proceeding with the closures, Lancashire County Council will be failing its statutory duties under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. I am delighted that the Government agrees that the policy requires further investigation and have let Lancashire County Council know they are minded to order a public inquiry into the matter. I have warned County on a number of occasions that by rushing to close the Libraries they risk costing taxpayers' hundreds of thousands of pounds. No doubt they will complain, but I remember in 2006 how the Labour County Council closed our libraries. We can't let them continue to undermine our learning. See the Minister's letter to the County Council here: