§ Mrs. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has now been able to make a decision about the siting of the National Library.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsAs a result of the examination referred to in the answer I gave to a Question by my hon. Friend on 19th December last—[Vol. 883, c.567–8.]—the Government and the British Library Board are satisfied that the site in Euston Road can suitably provide for the Library's building needs. Negotiations have therefore been opened with the owners of the site, the National Freight Corporation and the British Railways Board, so that it can be bought for this purpose. Work on the detailed design of new buildings at Euston will now go forward with a view to a start on the construction of a substantial first phase in 1979–80 if economic conditions at that time permit. The precise nature of the first phase will be determined in conjunction with the Library Board. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be initiating consultations on the future of the Bloomsbury site.