§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps in conjunction with appropriate local authorities to mark the centenary of Charles Dickens.
§ Miss Jennie LeeBoth the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are holding special Dickens exhibitions in the coming year. Local celebrations of the centenary of a national figure are a matter for the local authority and other agencies in the area concerned. The Arts Council has on occasion made grants towards the cost of particular events. I understand that the Dickens Birthplace Museum in Portsmouth will reopen to the public on 12th June next during the city's celebrations to mark the centenary of the author's death.