§ 61. Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the National Museum of Antiquities in Scotland has adequate powers to loan exhibits to other museums; and if he will consult with the trustees with a view to improving the arrangements for such loans.
§ Mr. MaclayThe powers of the Trustees to lend objects held by the Museum are contained in subsection 2 (1) (d) of the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland Act, 1954, and I am satisfied that they are adequate. As regards the second part of the Question, I have no reason to believe that the arrangements made by the Trustees in connection with loans are not satisfactory. If, however, my hon. Friend has 149W any particular difficulty in mind, I shall be glad to bring it to the notice of the Trustees.
§ 62. Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that the National Museum of Antiquities has sufficient space adequately to exhibit its collection, particularly that part of it relating to Orkney and Shetland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaclayThe National Museum is short of space in its present building. Nevertheless, the Trustees keep a high proportion of their collection on permanent exhibition, and a prominent place is given to objects from Orkney and Shetland.