HC Deb 15 February 1982 vol 18 c18
22. Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to receive the results of Sir Derek Rayner's scrutiny of the Victoria and Albert and the Science museums.

Mr. Channon

I expect the report about Easter.

Mr. Neubert

Is there not a case for thinking that the present structure of these two museums is outdated and that, as with other national museums, they should become trustee museums?

Mr. Channon

There certainly is a case for saying that. It is something that has been raised over many years under successive Governments. I should be very surprised if the report did not come to a recommendation, which I shall consider very carefully. I shall, of course, bear my hon. Friend's views in mind.

Mr. Faulds

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the report should recommend that the Victoria and Albert museum and the Science museum should be placed on the same trustee-administered basis as the other major national museums, there would be support in principle from the Labour Benches, but that we would be most concerned that he should carry the staffs with him in that operation?

Mr. Channon

I am grateful for what the hon. Gentleman said. Should that issue arise, I will bear his points in mind. In a major change of this sort, the views of the staff would naturally be important.