§ Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Minister for the Arts what is his involvement in the formulation of corporate plans for national museums, galleries and libraries.
§ Mr. LuceI believe that it is vital that the trustees and staff of the national museums and galleries and the British library have a clear view of the objectives of their institution, of the means by which those objectives can be attained and of the targets against which their achievements will be measured. It is important too that objectives and achievements should be reviewed regularly to take account of new developments.
In 1986 I asked each of the national museums and galleries and the British Library to produce a strategic or corporate plan looking five years ahead, and to roll forward the plans annually.
The institutions are now putting the final touches to the second round of planning, and I am meeting each of them in turn to discuss their plans.