Side A: Dr Malcolm Smith talking about the British Astronomical Background at the time of the NHO planning. Smith was the Senior Principal Scientific Officer and Scientific Advisor to NHOPC. He describes: the state of astronomy in the early 1970s; the leadership of the RGO; choices of sites for the NHO; the Planning Committee and its operation; the British approach to foreign observatories; the criteria in planning the NHO; and Anglo-Spanish relations and their effect on NHO planning. Interviewed on 19 Jan. 1986. Duration: 42 minutes (approx.).

Side B: Bennet McInnes talking about the site-testing program for the NHO. McInnes was the Principal Scientific Officer. He describes: the establishment of the site testing team; the identification of sites for the Observatory; the methods and approach of the site testers at La Palma: first testing, diplomatic problems, the excellence of the La Palma site, problems testing there, return to La Palma, final choice of that site; details on other sites tested during the program; the site testers as individuals and as a team. Interviewed on 7 Oct. 1985. Duration: 45 minutes (approx.).