§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total cost to his Department in the latest available year in carrying out its responsibilities for all kinds of publicly-financed libraries; and what is the number of staff involved.
§ Mr. EyreIn 1971–72 the Department incurred £669,897 capital expenditure on buildings at Boston Spa for the National Lending Library of Science and Technology and £11,000 on maintenance for the National Library of Scotland. A varying number of staff was involved part-time on these activities and in planning the British Library building and new works for the National Library of Scotland. The Department also maintains the British Museum and other national museums but no separate record is kept of the cost and staff concerned with maintaining their libraries.