§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if claims of regional museums to participation in the extra £1 million to be made available from next April to save exceptional works of art from export will in principle always need to be matched by sums from the museums in question.
§ Mr. OakesAn announcement about the administration of the extra £1 million will be made when the Estimates are laid before Parliament next month. Assistance to local museums in England for purchases is provided through a special fund for that purpose administered by the Victoria and Albert Museum. In exceptional circumstances a special purchase grant may be made by the Government and channelled through the Victoria and Albert Museum fund. My right hon. Friend has no plans to change the present arrangement whereby for purchase by local museums the total contribution from central Government funds is normally limited to 50 per cent. of the purchase price of the work of art concerned.