§ 2. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities organise a school museums service; what is the total expenditure thereon; and what contribution is made from central Government sources towards this.
§ Sir D. EcclesIn this service there is great variety of provision, and up-to-date information will become available when the survey of local museums and art galleries now being conducted by the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries is complete. Expenditure by local education authorities on this service is relevant expenditure for general grant purposes.
§ Mr. BoydenI believe that the right hon. Gentleman is very interested in this field. He was certainly very helpful in the case of Durham when it started such a service. Would the right hon. Gentleman undertake to give some encouragement to this kind of activity throughout the school service either by means of publications or by encouraging the authorities generally?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, Sir. I think that this is a very good service, but since the information is lacking now and is being gathered, I thought I had better wait until it had come to hand.