Library inquiry demanded

A House of Commons Select Committee is demanding a public inquiry into the new British Library to establish who approved the design, at what cost and who, if anyone, was in charge. Reporting back within three months, the inquiry would establish whether there has been maladministration or incompetence. The final cost of the new building could run beyond the current estimate of œ450 million to a higher final figure of œ500 million.

The National Heritage Committee report on the prestigious project in central London was published last week. It called the saga a 'sorry story'.

The report says: 'No-one - Ministers, library staff, building contractors, anyone at all - has more than the faintest idea when the building will be completed, when it will be open for use, or how much it will cost.'

James R Knowles, construction contract consultant, has been hired by the Government in an attempt to recover up to œ60 million from companies who have allegedly bungled work.