§ Q4. Mr. Tebbitasked the Prime Minister what is the cost to public funds of maintaining the library at No. 10, Downing Street.
§ The Prime MinisterThe cost to public funds of the Prime Minister's Library is negligible. It consists of books presented by Cabinet Ministers and former Cabinet Ministers; and the use of the books is not so heavy as to require special staffing or provision for maintenance.
§ Mr. TebbitIs my right hon. Friend aware that that reply will give great satisfaction to many taxpayers who feared that they might be called upon to pay an exorbitant price for the very cheap memoirs of the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition? But more to the point, can he confirm or deny rumours that the Downing Street copy of those memoirs is, in fact, in the right hon. Gentleman's own personal style—that is, that the backing is spineless to make it more easily reversible? [Interruption]—or even that it is in loose leaf form—[HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down."]—to allow—[HON. MEMBERS: "Cheap."]—for easier amendment?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is true that a copy of the right hon. Gentleman's book has not been presented to the Prime Minister's Library. However, a copy is available at No. 10. It was purchased at Government expense and is kept alongside other books of quotations.