§ Mr. William PowellTo ask the Minister for the Arts whether he expects the British Library to be completed by the agreed date; and whether the works will be within budget.
§ Mr. RentonWork on the new British Library building at St. Pancras is on schedule for the planned opening of the first phase in 1993 and for completion in 1996. The project is proceeding within budget. The Government are investing £450 million in the project which will bring together most of the Library's London-based stocks and reading rooms on a single site, and will provide vastly improved facilities and better conservation.