HC Deb 14 March 1983 vol 39 cc4-5W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, pursuant to the reply from the Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to the hon. Member for Warley, East on 7 March, Official Report, c. 303, he will list, respectively (a) the museums, galleries and libraries in England the authorities of which are empowered to transfer objects vested in them to the trustees of the Ulster museum, and (b) the museums, galleries and libraries in England the authorities of which are not so empowered.

Mr. Channon

Of the national museums, galleries and libraries in England in receipt of money voted by Parliament in Class X of the Supply Estimates, the following have specific statutory power to transfer certain objects to the Ulster Museum:

  • British Museum (national history)
  • British Museum
  • Museum of London
  • Tate Gallery

Additionally, the Secretary of State has implied power to direct certain objects to be transferred from the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Science Museum to the Ulster Museum. The National Heritage Bill currently before the House contains specific powers to enable the future boards of trustees of those two museums to transfer certain objects to the Ulster Museum.

The remaining such institutions in Class X, listed as follows, have no specific statutory power to transfer objects to the Ulster Museum:

  • British Library
  • Imperial War Museum
  • National Gallery
  • National Maritime Museum
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • Sir John Soane's Museum
  • Wallace Collection

The Department does not collect information about the transfer powers of the other museums, galleries and libraries in England, most of which are maintained by local authorities, universities or other independent bodies.