§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he will advise to secure national art treasures in view of the Windsor fire; if he will make it his policy for the public to have the right to view such treasures free of charge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Brooke[holding answer 30 November 1992]: I have commissioned an inquiry into fire protection at all royal palaces for which my Department has financial responsibility in the light of the Windsor castle fire and will consider carefully the recommendations of the inquiry. Responsibility for fire protection at national museums and galleries is vested in the trustees who may seek advice from whatever sources they consider to be most appropriate. It is for those responsible for the care and presentation of national art treasures to decide whether or not a charge is made to view them.