§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in considering special grants from public funds for the purchase of works of art of national importance, he will in future refrain from suggesting advances from future annual purchase grants where it appears that such a course would prejudice the result of a public appeal for private subscription to assist with such purchases.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsThe national collections are aware that, in considering an application for a special purchase grant, the Government take into account the possibility of an advance to be repaid from grant for a future year. I am not aware of any case where a national collection46W considers that this has prejudiced the result of a public appeal.
§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in considering special grants from public funds for the purchase of works of art of national importance, he will in future consider recommending the provision of public funds matching pound for pound, or some lesser amount, moneys raised by private subscription for a specific purchase.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsThis is done in suitable cases.
§ Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in considering a special grant from public funds for the purchase of works of art of national importance, he will take account of the past record involving funds from private sources of the museum or gallery likely to be the recipient of the work of art.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsYes. All relevant information is taken into account in each case.