§ Lord Teviotasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Public Record Office at Kew has been closed and when it is expected to reopen.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint MaryleboneA fortnight ago acute problems began to develop with the air-conditioning system. This resulted in a combination of unacceptably high temperatures and low relative humidity. Conditions were such that it became impossible for either the staff or the public to use the building. Readers expecting normal access to the collection were inconvenienced.
The Property Services Agency is now making progress towards the restoration of normal operating conditions. Accordingly, the Keeper hopes to reopen the public reading rooms in the near future. Intending readers are advised to telephone the Public Record Office at Kew before setting out on their journeys.