§ 52. Mr. Heathcoat-Amoryasked the Minister for the Arts what representations he has received from provincial museums and galleries about borrowing more items from the national collections.
§ Mr. LuceI have had some representations. I am concerned to promote the widest practicable lending by the national museums and galleries to provincial institutions.
The Government indemnity scheme is of immense help in setting up such loans. Improved guidelines for the operation of the scheme will come into effect on 1 April next.
I was pleased to announce on 8 December last that the Museums and Galleries Commission intends to establish a touring exhibition unit to facilitate and co-ordinate such loans.