HC Deb 19 June 1956 vol 554 c1211
8. Mr. Idwal Jones

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what applications for grants towards capital development have been received from the Welsh Folk Museum, St. Fagans Castle, Cardiff; what decision has been reached upon the applications; and the reason for the decision.

Mr. H. Macmillan

This museum is a department of the National Museum of Wales which has from time to time asked for money in respect of capital development, including some in respect of the Folk Museum. Economic circumstances have not, however, permitted me to provide it. The rate of expansion of this department is reflected in the amount which I provide for maintenance expenditure, now nearly nine times what the amount was as many years ago.

Mr. Jones

Is the Chancellor aware that this is the pioneer folk museum of the whole Commonwealth, and the present arrangements prevent capital development of the museum? Is he prepared to put this Folk Museum on the same basis as the National Library of Wales and the National Museum of Wales, and revise the Treasury decision which prevents the Folk Museum using moneys from fees and sales for capital development?

Mr. Macmillan

These are rather obscure arguments between the Folk Museum and the National Museum of Wales, but what I have said is that this Folk Museum is a department of the National Museum of Wales and it is through the National Museum that we normally deal.

Mr. Jones

On a point of order. I asked the question whether, in view of the present arrangements, the Chancellor is prepared to put the National Folk Museum on the same basis as the National Museum of Wales—

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that I have nothing to do with that as a point of order.