HC Deb 20 February 1964 vol 689 cc1370-1
6. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in investigating the use of a computer for central library cataloguing as recommended by the Baker Working Party on Inter-Library Co-operation in paragraph 37 of its Report.

Sir E. Boyle

It has been established that it would be technically possible to use a computer for much of the work of handling applications for inter-library loans, including the recording of library book stocks; but without further investigation I cannot yet say whether it would be the most economical method, which of various ways of using it would be best, what effect it would have on arrangements for dealing with categories of books not handled on the computer, or whether the bodies concerned would be ready to co-operate. These questions are all being pursued.

Mr. Boyden

In this state of uncertainty, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that if he gets the Public Libraries Bill fairly soon, he will not use this computer delay as an excuse for not getting on with the cataloguing?

Sir E. Boyle

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that it will take about six months to clear up the technical points that I have mentioned, and I hope that we shall have the Public Libraries Bill well before then.