§ The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Paul Boateng)The"Securing the Best for our Museums: Private Giving and Government Support" report has been published today and copies are available in the Libraries 48WS of both Houses and in the Vote Office. Copies will also be sent to the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.
I appointed Sir Nicholas Goodison to lead a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of support to regional and national museums and galleries to help them acquire works of art and culture of distinction that might otherwise be sold abroad, and to make those items accessible to the public. This review was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Budget 2003. The review is now complete and the "Securing the Best for Our Museums: Private Giving and Government Support" report contains Sir Nicholas Goodison's findings and recommendations.
The Government will carefully consider the recommendations ahead of Budget 2004 and as part of the 2004 Spending Review.