§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will accept the recommendations in the Rayner report that administration of the grant in aid fund for purchases by provincial museums should be transferred to the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries; and whether he will further strengthen the commission by appointing a full-time director.
§ Mr. ChannonThe references in the report to provincial museum purchase assistance funds are among the matters on which, as I told the House on 27 May, I am consulting widely. No decisions will be reached before August. I announced last year some measures to strengthen the museums and galleries commission and extend the scope of its work. Its staffing needs will be kept under review.