HL Deb 13 February 1984 vol 448 cc2-3

2.38 p.m.

Viscount Mersey

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the level of grants paid to Scottish Museums and Galleries in 1982–83 and what is the projected figure for the current financial year.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)

My Lords, expenditure by Her Majesty's Government on the three national museums and galleries and grants to the local museums purchase funds and the Council for Museums and Galleries in Scotland was £5.97 million in 1982–83. The expected out-turn for 1983–84 is £6.23 million.

Viscount Mersey

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that reply. May I ask him whether that is symptomatic of the overall increase in spending by the Scottish Arts Council, which I understand went up some £7 million in 1978–79 to over £11 million in 1982–83? May I also ask him whether, without that increase, it would have been possible to open either the Burrell Art Gallery in Glasgow or the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art which I believe is to be opened in August this year?

Lord Gray of Contin

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for raising the matter. I can confirm to him that the additional funds available were of course very welcome indeed. Perhaps I could explain to him, however, that funds for the Arts Councils are provided by my noble friend the Minister for the Arts. Resources for museums and galleries in Scotland, on the other hand, are provided by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who supports directly the national museums and galleries in Edinburgh. He has also, quite exceptionally, provided substantial funds to Glasgow District Council towards the construction of the Burrell Gallery. In both cases the Government have been able to provide some increases in overall funding at a time when the supply of resources had necessarily had to be restricted.

Lord Leatherland

My Lords, would the Minister agree that these Questions and Answers are indicative of the high intellectual and artistic standards of the Scottish people?

Lord Gray of Contin

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for his remarks; and of course I heartily endorse any complimentary remarks which he makes about the Scottish people.

Lord Glenkinglas

My Lords, would not my noble friend agree that the money expended on the Burrell collection has been long overdue and is very worthwhile indeed? My only regret, having been able to see it for the first time, is that it is "for free", whereas a small charge would be easily acceptable.

Lord Gray of Contin

My Lords, no doubt those responsible for those matters will take note of the remarks of my noble friend; and of course it is entirely for those who administer the galleries to make decisions on these aspects.