§ 52. Mr. G. NICHOLSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of authorising the appointment of the five assistant keepers in the entomological department of the British Museum (Natural History) included in the Civil Estimates for the current year, in consideration of the valuable work performed by the department and the deterioration which shortage of staff is causing to the collections?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The Estimates for the current year show the number of assistant keepers which it is intended at a future date to appoint in the British Museum (Natural History) but do not include money provision for the posts in question. The staff of the Museum has recently been strengthened by a net addition of two to the superior staff. A further increase is not considered warranted in present circumstances. I do not accept the view that the collections are deteriorating.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONWill the hon. Gentleman consider the appointment of those assistant keepers who have been provided for in the Estimates in view of the opinion widely held among entomologists that the collection is suffering, and that the work of the Museum, which is of Colonial and Imperial value, is also suffering in consequence?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have informed my hon. Friend that I do not consider that the collections are deteriorating, but, if they were, the deterioration would be more academic than vital.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONWill the hon. Gentleman visit the Museum once more?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir.