§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries to reconstitute the Victoria and Albert and Science Museums and the Tower Armouries with independent trustee status.
§ Mr. OakesMy right hon. Friend is considering the recommendation on the future status of the Victoria and Albert and Science museums, but will take no decision until all concerned have been fully consulted. The Tower Armouries are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many grants have been made by her Department to museums and art galleries in the United Kingdom during the last 10 years for the purchase of works of art.
§ Mr. OakesThe special purchase grants made by my Department to museums and art galleries in England in each of the last 10 years are listed below. Special purchase grants to museums and art galleries in Scotland and Wales are the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, respectively.
Number of Special Purchase Grants Made Year 1968–69 2 1969–70 4 1970–71 0 1971–72 2 1972–73 3 1973–74 1 1974–75 4 1975–76 1 1976–77 0 1977–78 4