§ Mr. Crossmanasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is satisfied with the extent to which the current world output of scientific and technological literature is available in London; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethCurrent scientific and technological literature is available in London in the Libraries of the British Museum, the British Museum (Natural History), the Science Museum, the Patent Office, the University of London and its Colleges, and the Learned and Professional Societies, as well as in other local and specialised libraries. In addition to these developing research and reference facilities, a quick loan service is now available, through local and specialised libraries, from the National Lending Library of Science and Technology, at Boston Spa, whose coverage is worldwide.
Nevertheless, the Government considers there is room for improvement in the provision of such literature in London and has therefore already announced the setting up of the National Reference Library of Science and Invention on the South Bank to be administered by the British Museum. This Library will incorporate the present Patent Office Library and substantial holdings of current scientific material to be transferred from the British Museum. The acquisition of additional periodicals and books from all over the world to complement these two collections has already been begun following the first annual grant to the British Museum of special funds for the purpose. A start on building itself will be made early in 1964.