§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the number of assistant librarians and attendants employed in the National Library of Ireland, and in the British Museum Library of Printed Books, respectively, and the annual attendance of readers at each of these libraries as shown by the latest Returns; whether he is aware that, owing to want of accommodation in the National Library of Ireland, there is no room for the increase in Ordnance Survey Maps and Patent Specifications; and that a free gift of the American Patents Specifications had to be declined for this reason; and, will he state to what extent the recommendations of the trustees have been carried out.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe number of assistant librarians in the National Library of Ireland is two, and the number of attendants is twelve (six men and six boys). The number of readers in the Library in 1899 was 154,878. I cannot speak for the British Museum. Accommodation has been found in the Dublin Library for the Maps and Specifications. The offer of the American Patents Specifications has been declined by the trustees, partly owing to considerations of space and partly because a larger staff would be required for the additional work that would arise if the offer were accepted. It is not clear to what recommendations the last paragraphs refer.
§ MR. BOLANDConsidering that the staff at the National Library is so inadequate, as well as the buildings, will the light hon. Gentleman take steps to have both these matters remedied?
§ MR. WYNDHAMIf the hon. Member means will I put myself in communication with the Treasury for the purpose, I cannot undertake to do so.