HC Deb 07 December 1976 vol 922 cc211-2
5. Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she is taking to maintain the Regional Services Department of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Mr. Oakes

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the director's detailed proposals for achieving savings in the museum's staff.

Mr. Hannam

Is it fair to apply a higher level of cuts to the Victoria and Albert Museum than is being applied to the Minister's Department? In view of the importance of maintaining this last remaining link between our national museums and galleries and the provinces, will the hon. Gentleman ensure that it is not broken?

Mr. Oakes

The staff complement has to be reduced by 81. On the hon. Gentleman's latter point, I can assure him, as I did in the Adjournment debate on this subject, that his remarks about the importance of the regional services of the museum will be borne in mind by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and by my noble Friend who is responsible for the arts when they receive the report proposals.

Mr. Stan Crowther

In view of the information that I was given in a Written Answer on the scope of the service, would it not be a national disaster for it to be discontinued? Will my hon. Friend accept that the Victoria and Albert should be regarded as a national institution and not merely as a London museum?

Mr. Oakes

As a regional Member, I have a great deal of sympathy with what my hon. Friend has said. Perhaps I should say something about the work of the Regional Services Department. I can tell my hon. Friend that 69 exhibitions have been sent out to 279 presentations in 119 towns during the past year alone.