HC Deb 17 November 1976 vol 919 cc607-9W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will list the major exhibitions planned by the Victoria and Albert Museum each year since their inception: and what is the estimated cost of the proposed programme of such exhibitions for 1976–77.

Mr. Oakes

The estimated cost of the programme of major exhibitions planned by the museum for the current year, 1976–77, is £76,550. I will write to my hon. Friend about the programme since its beginning in 1862.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will list the major exhibitions planned by the Victoria and Albert Museum authorities that will be cancelled if the proposed cuts in museum staffing costs take place: what costs have already been incurred in preparation for these exhibitions: and what will be the total cost of the cancellations.

Mr. Oakes

Until my right hon. Friend and my noble Friend have examined the detailed proposals the information will not be available.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what additional changes in the manning and management of the Victoria and Albert Museum are likely to be introduced as a result of the Government's cuts in public expenditure besides the cancellation of exhibitions.

Mr. Oakes

The proposed changes in the Victoria and Albert Museum which have received recent publicity are due to the requirement that the museum, proportionately with the rest of the Civil Service, will have to reduce its staff by 81. My right hon. Friend and my noble Friend will consider what should be done when they have received and studied the Director's detailed proposals.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she intends to take to ensure that the Victoria and Albert Museum can continue to send its travelling exhibitions to the regions.

Mr. Oakes

My right hon. Friend and my noble Friend have not yet been able to consider in detail the Director's proposals for making the staff economies to which the Government are committed. When these proposals are submitted they will be considered in relation to all the issues involved, including the effect on travelling exhibitions and the extent to which other organisations, including the Arts Council, area museum councils and the other national museums can help. It is not possible at this stage to say what action will be decided upon.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what instructions have been given to the Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum to cut museum staff; how many are likely to lose their jobs; and what savings will be made as a result.

Mr. Oakes

The museum's Director has been asked to propose how 81 posts could be saved by 1st April 1978. Until final decisions have been taken by my right hon. Friend and my noble Friend the question of redundancies cannot be assessed.

Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the current levels of staffing at the Victoria and Albert Museum; whether she considers that they are adequate; and whether she foresees any change in staffing levels.

Mr. Oakes

Forecast complement for April 1977 is 720 posts, and will enable the museum to fulfil its present functions. The Government have decided to reduce the size and cost of the Civil Service by April 1978 and my right hon. Friend and my noble Friend will shortly be considering proposals to adjust certain museum functions so that its complement can be reduced by 81.