HC Deb 30 January 1973 vol 849 c356W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether any national or local museum has applied to her for assistance towards purchasing any object from the Pitt Rivers collections; what are the names of any such museums; and what are the objects they wished to acquire;

(2) if she will consider assisting by financial grant in the purchase of all or some of the British archaeological contents of the Pitt Rivers collection;

(3) if she will consider purchasing all or some of the British archaeological contents of the Pitt Rivers collection.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

The national museums and galleries are free to use their grant-in-aid for purchases, totalling £2 million a year, at their discretion. The Victoria and Albert and Royal Scottish Museums also administer funds to assist local museums in similar purchases. No national or local museum has applied to by noble Friend for additional assistance to purchase any of the items in the Pitt Rivers collections. If such an approach were made it would be considered on its merits.