§ Mr. Dorrellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about proposals to merge the geological museum at South Kensington with the British museum (natural history).
§ Sir Keith Joseph[pursuant to the reply, 26 July 1983, c. 364–65]: My hon. Friend the Member for City of London and Westminster, South (Mr. Brooke) told the House last July that I welcomed — subject to certain agreements and safeguards— a proposal made by the Natural Environment Research Council, with the support of the trustees of the British museum (natural history), that the future of the geological museum should best be secured through transfer from the council to the control of the natural history museum. Detailed proposals, including financial and staffing aspects, have now been accepted by the parties involved. I welcome the agreement reached and have informed the NERC and the trustees of the BM(NH) that I wish to make no objection to what is proposed. The transfer of control will take effect from 1 April 1985.