§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Museums and Galleries Commission was informed concerning his proposals for a new definition of national museum staff grades, the effect of which is to give scholarly research a lower priority than hitherto; whether the commission has expressed any views on his Department's scheme; on what date it is proposed that the scheme should become operative; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe civil service pay and grading structure extends to the staff of the national museums and galleries. It is the Treasury's practice to issue guidance on the grading of posts in all the main groups and categories of staff in this structure and as part of this programme guidance will be issued on the grading of posts in the museum category. This guidance will not have the general effect of giving scholarly research a lower priority than hitherto. But it will emphasise that the senior grades normally also have a substantial management role. The guidance is at present in draft form. Comments on it have been sought from directors of museums and galleries. It will be revised as appropriate in the light of their comments, and issued when that process is complete. My noble Friend the Minister for the Arts if keeping the Museums and Galleries Commission informed.