§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made on the British Library review. [113638]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthI have today published the report on prior options, the first stage of the Review of the British Library.
The report examines the role and functions of the British Library, and how these functions contribute to the delivery of wider DCMS and Government objectives. It confirms that at the present time the library's status as a non-departmental public body is the best option for delivering its services and considers how the delivery of its services might be improved in the future.
606WThe publication of the prior options report marks the end of the first stage of the Review. The second stage will take forward the recommendations of the prior options stage and consider how the library's services and functions could be provided more efficiently and effectively in the future.
A copy of the prior options report has been placed in the Libraries of the House.