asked the Minister for Finance the special steps being taken to prevent destruction by fire of the archives in the National Library; if special fire protection measures have been taken in the building; if he is aware that if the building were destroyed there would be a great and irreplaceable loss to the nation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - National Library Fire Precautions .
746.
: The Commissioners of Public Works have carried out a survey and have established the works necessary to bring the National Library up to the maximum possible standard of fire prevention and fire resistance. Major improvements to the heating and lighting installations, including rewiring, are also required and plans are being prepared for these works. When these improvements are being made arrangements will be made to carry out the fire safety works at the same time. Obviously if the building and its contents were destroyed it would be a great loss to the nation.