§ 2.48 p.m.
§ LORD STRABOLGIMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that there have been three major thefts of important rare books from the British Museum Library since January, 1971, and whether any action is being taken to 870 improve the security arrangements particularly in the North Library.
§ THE PAYMASTER GENERAL (VISCOUNT ECCLES)My Lords, the Trustees of the British Museum, who are responsible for the management of the Library, have reported that four books valued at £12,500 were recently stolen from the North Library. In March, 1971, eight hooks valued at £762 were stolen, but seven of them were subsequently recovered. No other theft of rare books since January, 1971 is known. All readers leaving the North Library are now required to submit their bags and cases for inspection, and the procedure for admitting holders of short-term tickets to the North Library has been tightened up. Other security measures either have been taken or are under consideration by the Trustees.
§ LORD STRABOLGIMy Lords, while thanking the noble Viscount for that full reply, may I ask him whether the Government are aware that this problem is becoming widespread? Would they consult with the Library Association and the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association, whose joint Working Party, on which the British Museum was represented, has recently reported, to see what backing they can give to these findings? Would the Government also consider ways and means of setting up an international committee to go into this great problem on a world-wide basis?
§ VISCOUNT ECCLESMy Lords, the noble Lord is certainly right in suggesting that theft and damage to objects in museums, and for that matter in antiquarian bookshops, is on the increase. Naturally, the appropriate authorities wish to consult all those who could help them to check this very distressing phenomenon. I have received this very morning the Report of the Working Party which was formed to consider the problem of book thefts from libraries. I have not had time to read it but I will do so with care, and I have no doubt the authorities of the British Museum will do so. Whether there is a case for an international inquiry, I rather doubt. What is important is that the police forces in all countries where international works of art may be disposed of should be in close contact.