§ Mr. Lathamasked the Minister for the Arts whether he will seek to sponsor a national competition by which provincial art galleries could seek to improve their premises in order to place on display some of the paintings currently stored in the cellars of the national galleries in London; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceI am anxious to encourage all museums and galleries to improve their attractiveness to the visiting public, and to encourage the national institutions to lend items from their collections for exhibition in other museums and galleries. I am discussing with the Museums 691W and Galleries Commission the scope for introducing a scheme to support touring exhibitions including those which involve the loan of items from national collections.
The Government's indemnity scheme already exists to facilitate the loan of items between the national and provincial museums and galleries. In addition to this, the Museums and Galleries Commission and the area museum councils operate schemes which assist non-national museums and galleries to improve their displays and premises.
thousands Reduction in tax units Increase in allowances Cost in 1987–88 Cost in a full year at 1987–88 income levels under 65 over 65 Total Per cent. £ million £ million Single Married Single Married 5 875 1,100 190 70 70 80 410 10 1,725 2,150 320 140 120 170 750 15 2,600 3,200 480 210 190 220 1,100 20 3,400 4,300 620 280 250 280 1,430