§ 2.5 p.m.
§ LORD IRONSIDEMy Lords, before asking Her Majesty's Government the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper, I should declare that I am a member of the British Museum Advisory Committee and of the National Reference Library of Science and Invention. I now beg leave to ask the Question.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of the fact that the contents of the new National Reference Library of Science and Invention are already reaching a fair degree of organisation, they can now state what plans have been made for moving the library from its temporary and divided quarters to the proposed building on the South Bank of the Thames.]
§ LORD HILTON OF UPTONMy Lords, a Working Party of officials was set up by my right honourable friend early this year to determine the requirements of the National Reference Library of Science and Invention. When these have been settled, which it is hoped will be before the end of this year, detailed planning of the new building will be put in hand. The recent decision to move the Patent Office out of London has affected this scheme and necessitated a revision of plans for the building, and has led to renewed discussions with the Greater London Council over the lease of the South Bank site.
§ LORD IRONSIDEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer which is 900 no more or less than I expected. Is the noble Lord aware that the Library, in its interim quarters at Holborn and, shortly, at Bayswater, cannot be set up as a fully functioning and effective organisation? Would he direct to the attention of his right honourable friend the Minister of Education and Science the importance of getting the Library housed in one building, and also of avoiding further delays in setting up the building which might affect the development of the Library organisation?
§ LORD HILTON OF UPTONMy Lords, I am well aware, as is the Minister, of the difficulties at the places mentioned by the noble Lord in the first part of that supplementary question. My right honourable friend is well aware of the importance of getting a suitable site for this Library as soon as possible. I will certainly draw his attention to the points made by the noble Lord.
§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHMy Lords, would my noble friend explain in what way the decision to move the Patent Office has affected this Library?
§ LORD HILTON OF UPTONMy Lords, I cannot, offhand, explain that in detail. I understand that there are difficulties about it. But I am quite prepared to get the information required by my noble friend and will let him have it in writing.