§ 28. Mrs. Lena Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for relieving over- 630 crowding at the British Museum, for providing for improved display, and for further amenities for the staff and public.
§ Miss Jennie LeeAs a substantial step towards the relief of overcrowding plans for the Ethnography Department to move to premises in Burlington Gardens are in an advanced stage of consideration; and new storage space for the Department is to be provided at Cricklewood.
The reconstruction of the Assyrian and Western Sculpture Galleries has been completed; and the projected reconstruction of the Bronze and Vase Rooms will also result in greatly improved display.
A new lecture theatre is completed. Plans are in hand for the provision of entirely new and greatly improved restaurant facilities for both staff and public, rest rooms and special provision for children.
§ Mrs. JegerMay I thank my right hon. Friend and assure her that I am sure that, on all sides, there is great appreciation of these improvements for both staff and public in the British Museum? Could she possibly consider the possibility of enriching provincial museums and galleries by the loan of some of the beautiful treasures at present hidden away in the British Museum for want of space?
§ Miss LeeAt the moment, exciting plans are on hand for improving the British Museum, and I am very grateful for the co-operation here of the Trustees, the Director and the Ministry of Public Building and Works. I am sure that, once we have a better display of existing treasures, it will be easier for us to see what treasures could be given or loaned to other museums.