HC Deb 15 June 1981 vol 6 c726
19. Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on plans for the new British Library.

Mr. Channon

Preliminary work for the first sub-stage of the Euston Road building is now in hand, and I expect work on the site to begin early in 1982.

Mr. Dobson

How soon does the Department expect to release the 3 acres at the back of the site, which are not required for library purposes, so that they can be used to provide parks, open spaces and other amenities for the deprived neighbourhood at the back of the proposed library?

Mr. Channon

I shall examine that and write to the hon. Gentleman. I assure him that I shall do everything that I can to assist him.

Mr. Moate

Why should millions of books in the British Library be excluded from public lending right?

Mr. Channon

Because Parliament decided that they should be.