§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money has been spent by the British library in the development and operation of its automated information systems strategy to date. [25595]
§ Mr. SproatThe British library's information systems strategy determines the overall framework within which the library incurs expenditure on the operation and development of its information technology systems. The strategy was published in November 1995. In the financial year 1995–96, the library spent some £6.5 million on operating its information technology systems, and £4.5 million on their further development. In 1996–97, the library has budgeted £7.3 million for operating information technology systems, and £6.1 million for their development.