HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 c219W
Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether steps are being taken, by microfilming or other means, to duplicate or triplicate the rarer documents in the India Office library; for what sum the library is insured; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Thomas

Yes. The Library's rarer oriental manuscripts are being systematically microfilmed, 4,000 having been microfilmed so far. In addition, when orders are received from the public for microfilms of any other material in the Library and Records, the negative microfilm is retained. A large and steadily growing collection of microfilms is in this way being built up. It is not the policy of the Government to insure property in its ownership or custody.