HC Deb 06 April 1998 vol 310 cc55-6W
Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future organisation and location of his departmental libraries and their collections. [37608]

Mr. Spellar

There are no plans specifically relating to the organisation or location of departmental libraries overall. Any future plans for the reorganisation, relocation or closure of individual buildings, establishments or sites would take account of existing libraries and their collections.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the disposal of books from his Department's libraries which are regarded as surplus to requirement. [37607]

Mr. Spellar

In accordance with HM Treasury guidelines, it is the Department's normal practice to sell surplus material including library books so as to achieve a return to the public purse. However the department does have delegated authority to make gifts in certain circumstances and as a rule surplus library books have been disposed of in this way. In most instances surplus library books are given to the British Library where they pass into the public domain.

With regard to documents and manuscripts formerly held by MOD which fall within the category of public records under the terms of the Public Record Acts 1958 and 1967, their disposal is the responsibility of the MOD Records organisation in accordance with the routine departmental procedures involving the Inspecting Officer of the Public Record Office. Record material has been and is being transferred to the Public Record Office, Approved Places of Deposit and appropriate Service museums, allowing proper public access under the Public Record Acts.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will name the departmental committee responsible for advising him on the disposal of books and manuscripts from his departmental libraries. [37605]

Mr. Spellar

There is no committee responsible for advice on the disposal of books and manuscripts from MOD libraries.

Mr. Keith Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the collections of books and manuscripts disposed of by his departmental libraries since 1994. [37606]

Mr. Spellar

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.