Chch library accedes to ‘Spycatcher’ threat

Press, 17 November 1987, Page 9

Chch library accedes to ‘Spycatcher’ threat

Canterbiry Public Library ccpies of the controversial book, "Spycatcher,” 3VIII stay out of circulation Un spite of a bid by one councillor to make theii available “in some roundabout way.” Councillors opted last evening not to take on the British Gcyernment by continuing 'to lend the copies. Thj library has

been holding its copies of the espionage expose as they have been - returned after a warning that it might be in contempt of court by lending the book. A letter from a Wellington law firm acting for the British Government warned the library it might be in contempt by lending the book while a High Court injunction

about the distribution of the book was heard. That hearing began in Wellington yesterday. The council decided it did not want the expense of litigation over six copies of a book. Crs John Burn and Alister James spoke against any “rash” action to keep the book available in the face of legal advice that it

should be withdrawn pending the Court’s decision. Cr Vicki Buck suggested that the council might still be able to make “Spycatcher” available unofficially. “If we can’t do it through the library, what about through an employee or even a councillor?” she asked.

People wanted to read the book and objected to censorship, she said, especially censorship by a foreign government. The Libraries’ Association had received a legal opinion that libraries were not in contempt in circulating the book, she said. However, the city solicitor had given an opinion

that the library would “technically be in contempt at this stage,” Cr Bum said. The library will not lend "Spycatcher” until the High Court hearing decision is made. At least half of its copies are still out on loan. These copies were issued before the library received the lawyer’s letter.