§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister if she will publish in theOfficial Report her response to the letter of 15 June from Dr. Peter Jung and expert colleagues in minerals, molluscs and entomology of the naturhistorisches museum in Basel, about whether major collections can be actively cared for under proposals such as those for the natural history museum in respect of expert staff; and what action she proposes to take to discharge obligations in respect of scientists' work in building up collections to the benefit of smaller museums throughout the world.
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts will shortly be placing a copy of the Government's response to Dr. Peter Jung's correspondence in the Library of the House.
The Minister for the Arts has asked the Government's chief scientific adviser, who is in discussion with the natural history museum, to keep him informed of the museum's position in relation to the United Kingdom science base. The Minister for the Arts will also be meeting the chairman and director of the museum to discuss the corporate plan and the wider issues.