§ 17. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art, concerning the export of manuscripts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Jennie LeeI welcome the establishment by the Reviewing Committee of a special sub-committee to consider whether any changes are required in the present arrangements for the export control of manuscripts and other documents that might be of national importance and shall carefully consider any recommendations put to me as a result of its subcommittee's report.
§ Mr. CookeIs the Minister aware that the unconsidered trifles of today become the historic documents of tomorrow? Is she aware of the considerable feeling in this country that many documents are escaping from us, and that the present arrangements are far from satisfactory. Will she, as well as the Committee, keep this under review?
§ Miss LeeI must wait until I receive the report of the sub-committee, but we all have the same end in view. We want to keep our historical documents in our own country as far as is feasible.
§ Mr. Peter M. JacksonIs my hon. Friend aware that one of the most important archives of the decade, the Russell Papers, will shortly be on the market? Will she give the House an assurance that adequate public funds will be made available for their purchase?
§ Miss LeeI can give no assurance about adequate public funds, but I assure my hon. Friend of my personal interest.