§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts whether he is now able to make a statement covering future arrangements relating to (a) the Vote for, and (b) the administration of, the funds allocated for assisting local museums in the purchase of objects for their collections; and whether he is also in a position to indicate a timetable for the adoption of the new arrangements.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy noble Friend the Minister for the Arts is still considering, in the light of the wide ranging consultations last year, the proposal to transfer responsibility for the local museum purchase grant schemes to the Museums and Galleries Commission. He hopes to announce his decision in the reasonably near future. For the time being, the schemes will continue to be operated by the Victoria and Albert and Science museums, and appropriate provision has been made in the museums allocations for purchase grants and other running costs for 1984–85.