HC Deb 25 January 1944 vol 396 cc538-9
57. Major Markham

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is now the composition of the Standing Commission on Museums; and whether there is now any representative of provincial institutions on this Commission.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the members of the Commission. The Commission has not at any time included a representative of provincial institutions.

Major Markham

In view of the fact that the late Sir Henry Miers represented the provincial museums on the Commission would it not be extremely judicious to continue to have a representative of provincial institutions?

Mr. Assheton

The late Sir Henry Miers was a representative of the Science Museum. It so happens that he was also president of the Museums Association but that was a chance.

Major Markham

May I invite a reply to the second part of my Supplementary Question as to whether it would not be judicious to have a provincial representative on this Commission?

Mr. Assheton

Under the circumstances I think it is probably wiser to leave things as they are, as this particular Commission's functions relate primarily to the various national institutions and not the provincial institutions.

Following is the list:

Chairman:

The Rt. Hon. Earl Stanhope, K.G., D.S.O.

Members: