§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement concerning the progress of the consultations referred to in the answer of 22 July 1982, Official Report, c. 303–304, in so far as they relate to a change of the Royal Scottish museum from departmental to trustee status; and whether, following analogous provisions for English museums in the National Heritage Act 1983, it is proposed to introduce legislation to effect this in the case of the Royal Scottish museum.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI am at present considering the views expressed on the consultation document on matters relating to trustee boards for the Royal Scottish museum and the proposed Museum of Scotland, and intend to make a statement in due course.
As I announced last July I intend to introduce legislation to change the Royal Scottish museum from departmental to trustee status, but I am not yet able to say when this will be introduced.