Among these will be all 4,300 of the UK's public libraries. More of that in due course. We will ensure that all schools and colleges are connected to the Internet, through UK online, by 2002. My Department has the responsibility within Government for the roll-out of UK online to public libraries. ICT network, known as The People's Network, will link all UK public libraries to the National Grid for Learning by the end of 2002, and will bring Internet access within the reach of us all.
Progress is already good.
The People's Network initiative is entirely the creation of the library community, showing that this great tradition continues to this day, and that the public libraries are taking maximum advantage of the potential afforded by the new technologies. This has put libraries at the very forefront of my Department's social inclusion strategy, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all those in this room who have been involved in this work. We are offering more than thanks and moral support. The Lottery has enabled us to support these efforts with a massive public investment of 170 million. I know that most library authorities have now submitted their final bids for CALL funding, and I would like to take a moment to thank the New Opportunities Fund and Resource for the excellent work they have put into designing and delivering this excellent programme.