§ Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to ensure that the British Library does not introduce an admission charge.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Government's view is that in principle it is desirable for free access to the British Library's reading rooms to be maintained wherever possible. I note that the Board of the British Library has been considering whether any charges for access to its reading rooms might be introduced, and is currently in the process of conducting a survey of users on this question among others. Any proposal by the board to introduce charges for access to reading rooms would require the approval of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State. My right honourable friend would want to consider any such proposal in the light of all relevant factors, including the views of users.