§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Minister for the Arts what discussions are taking place between himself, the PSA, the main contractor and the Dutch supplier of the equipment for the basement book store at the British Library to ensure that the equipment fully meets its specification and that, if any modifications cause its in-service date to be delayed, proper compensation will be paid.
§ Mr. RentonBoth PSA Services and the construction manager have been in detailed contractual discussions since July with the Dutch supplier to ensure that the product meets its specification and is fit for its purpose. A number of technical shortcomings have already been rectified. The payment of compensation for demonstrated damage is part of the discussions. I am being kept fully informed.
The British Library is shorty to recommence testing to determine the extent of movement, if any, of books on the shelves, during book retrieval operations.