§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will take steps to make available to art galleries in the regions works of art that are currently in storage in London galleries and museums. [5179]
§ Mr. FisherThe Government is determined to widen access to this country's cultural heritage and I commend all those institutions—not just London museums and galleries—that already lend articles in their collections, arrange touring exhibitions, and give advice and guidance. These excellent practices are nevertheless at the discretion of each institution's trustees. The Government wishes to encourage those national museums and galleries which it funds to establish closer and more supportive relationships with other museums: lending items to them is one way this can be done. But not all museums and galleries have large holdings in storage: the National Gallery's collection, for instance, is virtually all on public display.