HC Deb 01 May 1962 vol 658 cc801-2
6. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Works when the National Library building will be available for use.

The Minister of Works (Lord John Hope)

The plans for a new building for the British Museum Library are not sufficiently far advanced for any date to be given.

Mr. Rankin

Does the right bon. Gentleman realise that this building will provide room for books which presently are housed in the British Museum at the expense of some of our greatest masterpieces which cannot be shown to the public because of lack of viewing space in the museum? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of getting on more quickly with the provision of space for these books which are now in the museum?

Lord John Hope

Yes, indeed. No time has been lost, but this is bound to be rather a long job.

Mr. Rankin

When the right hon. Gentleman gives a depressing answer like that, can he define the length of "long"?

Lord John Hope

I cannot, but I hope soon to be in a position to announce the appointment of an architect.