§ 91. Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will introduce a Bill to safeguard the independence of the trustees of the national museums and galleries.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasNo. The trustees already enjoy, either by statute 385W or by the other instruments which established them, full powers to perform their functions. My noble Friend has, in addition, made proposals to the trustees which would substantially increase their discretion to spend the public funds granted to them, and will be following them up with further detailed discussions. At the same time, the trustees recognise that they are accountable through their directors to Parliament for the public money which is voted.