HC Deb 13 May 1952 vol 500 cc103-4W
87. Mr. Janner

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a list showing which museums or parts thereof have been closed down, in addition to the closings at the Tate Gallery and Public Record Office; and when he will review this matter.

Mr. R. A. Butler

No Museum, except that at the Public Record Office, has been closed down; parts of the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime Museum, Ham House and the Wallace Collection are shut at certain times. Civil Service staffs are kept under constant review, but the prospect of any increases must depend largely on the general economic situation.

88. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the museum of the Public Record Office has been closed; what is the estimated saving; and whether he will re-consider this decision.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I asked the National Museums and Galleries to make their contribution to the campaign for Civil Service manpower economies. I understand that the authorities of the Public Record Office decided that to effect the required saving in staff it was necessary to close the Museum. The estimated saving is four posts costing £1,322 a year. In view of the general reductions which it is necessary to make in Civil Service staffs in the national interest, I regret that I could not agree to make an exception in the case of this Department.

93. Mr. Driberg

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the museum of the Public Record Office is to be closed.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer today to the hon. Member for Stockton-on-Tees (Mr. Chetwynd).