§ 74. Major Markhamasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Standing Commission on Museums has met recently; whether it has formulated any proposals on reconstruction for national museums and art galleries; and when it last issued an Annual Report.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)Since 1941 the effect of the war on the activities of the national institutions has much reduced the work of the Commission, which is an advisory body. Their last meeting took place in February, 1943. A further meeting will take place next month at which the 39 subject of repairs and reconstruction of the national institutions will be considered. The Commission is not required to publish annual reports. Before the war it issued five-yearly surveys; the last one was dated August, 1938.
§ Major MarkhamAre there any proposals for the reorganisation of this Commission, and are there any representatives of the provincial museums on it?
§ Mr. AsshetonThe function of this Commission in regard to provincial institutions is to co-ordinate their work with the national institutions. If my hon. and gallant Friend will be good enough to put down a Question on the other point I will give him an answers.