HC Deb 18 November 1971 vol 826 cc619-20
22. Mr. Cormack

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries to report on the question of the display of pictures belonging to national collections but not on public view.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The findings of the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries are expected early next year. They will be examined, as part of the more general review of relations between national and principal local museums, by a Committee which my noble Friend, the Paymaster-General has appointed.

Mr. Cormack

I thank my hon. Friend for that encouraging reply and remind him that there are many people, particularly in the provinces, who are anxiously awaiting the outcome of these deliberations.

Mr. van Straubenzee

I am well aware of the interest in the deliberations, and I know that my hon. Friend entirely concurs that the interests of the provincial local museums have sometimes been overlooked.

Mr. Faulds

Will the hon. Gentleman get to work on his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and get her to work on the Secretary of State for the Environment to support the campaign being sponsored by the Evening Standard to free Somerset House for uses more appropriate to its spaciousness and elegance, in two respects: first, possibly to use it for housing a British collection of national art; and secondly, and very simply, to open the terrace for lovers and other couples to wander along? I will gladly wander hand in hand with the right hon. Lady along the terrace on the first night that it is open.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Questions about Somerset House are not for me. If we are to make the terrace a success, I think that the hon. Gentleman had better stay well away from it.