§ 7. Sir H. Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if a decision has been reached in regard to the opening of museums and galleries so as to enable children to visit them after school and working hours.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Miss Jennie Lee)I am greatly concerned to meet the point in the hon. Member's Question, but there are some outstanding matters still to be settled. I hope to make a definite statement early in the new year.
§ Sir Hamilton KerrIn view of the possible added expenditure due to lighting, overtime attendance and so on, would the hon. Lady try to persuade local education authorities to make a contribution?
§ Miss LeeYes, Sir. We will collect money wherever we can. I am glad 1434 that the hon. Gentleman appreciates that there are difficult hurdles of staffing and so on to surmount, but I am very optimistic that we shall be making a real advance early next year. I hope that the good example of some museums will encourage all concerned in other parts of the country.