HC Deb 22 February 1955 vol 537 cc133-4W
87. Mr. G. R. Strauss

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury when a new Treasury Minute relating to the administration of the National Gallery is to be issued in consequence of the National Gallery and Tate Gallery Act, 1954, with particular reference to clarifying the policy of the National Gallery Trustees regarding the loans of pictures as set out in paragraph 7 of the Treasury Minute of 5th February relating to the administration of the Tate Gallery.

Mr. H. Brooke

The National Gallery and Tate Gallery Act, 1954, does not affect the National Gallery in such a way as to call for a new Treasury Minute redefining its general administration.

88. Mr. G. R. Strauss

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to what extent the terms of the Treasury Minute of 5th February relating to the administration of the Tate Gallery place on the Trustees the sole responsibility for employing the staff of that Gallery; and what restrictions the Treasury exercises over the Trustees' powers in this respect.

Mr. H. Brooke

The staff of the Tate Gallery are civil servants. The responsibilities of the Trustees for employing them are similar to those of the Head of a Department. The appointment of the Director is made by the First Lord of the Treasury after consultation with the Trustees.