§ Mr. GryllsTo ask the Lord President of the Council if he will investigate whether there is any evidence of the Australian spider beetle Ptinus Tectus or the bread beetle Stegobium Paniceum in the books in the Library; and what steps he is taking to avoid damage to the books by these beetles.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThe House of Commons Library has a continuous cleaning and conservation programme for its books, which up to now has afforded no evidence of infestation by beetles. However, in the light of current concern, Library staff have already been asked to be alert for any signs of beetle activity. Appropriate control measures would be taken immediately if any such evidence came to light.
Secondhand books acquired by the Library will be examined for any signs of paper decay before they are added to stock, and similar provisions will be adopted for older books borrowed for Members from other libraries.