§ Mr. OppenheimTo ask the Minister for the Arts whether he intends to intervene in the proposed sale of items from the collections of Derbyshire county council museums and galleries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonI have no statutory powers in relation to museums and galleries run by local authorities.
The use of any proceeds from the disposal of items from the collection of a museum for purposes other than the purchase of additional items, is contrary to the codes of practice of the Museums Association. I understand that the Museums Association has warned Derbyshire county council that its membership of the association will be reconsidered if the proposed sale goes ahead. The county has also been warned that its eligibility for awards through the Museums and Galleries Commission would be at risk in this event. I hope very much that Derbyshire county council will take notice of the strong protests aroused by its proposed action and rescind its intention to sell these items.