48. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the extension of the hours during which the British Museum reading room is open to readers to the period which was in force before the War has been re-considered recently; what would be the estimated cost of such an extension; and whether, in view of the importance of allowing the fullest facility to readers, the reading room may again be allowed to remain open after 6 p.m.?
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The cost of the suggested extension of the hours during which the reading room is open is estimated at £2,750 a year. The trustees of the Museum have no evidence of any such demand for the extension as would justify this expenditure.
Mr. HarveyCan the Financial Secretary secure the serious consideration of this matter by the trustees in view of the great help it would be to many scholars who cannot go at an earlier hour?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI have noted what the hon. Member has said.
§ Mr. JohnstonWhen the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is communicating with the trustees, will he also draw their attention to the desirability of opening this reading room on Sundays?