HC Deb 03 July 1997 vol 297 cc225-6W
Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his Department's policy with regard to the funding of university museums; and if he will make a statement. [6317]

Mr. Fisher

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: My Department is keen to support and enhance the vitality of the cultural sector in this country and museums, including university museums, form a valuable part of that sector. Several university museums were included among those museums recently given designation status. Responsibility for the funding of university museums lies with their parent universities, together with the Higher Education Funding Councils and the appropriate Government Departments.

Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to co-ordinate policy with the Department for Education and Employment and the Scottish Office with regard to the funding of university museums; and if he will make a statement. [6305]

Mr. Fisher

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: The Department for Education and Employment, the other education departments and the Department of National Heritage work together closely on policy for funding university museums. Funding for university museums in Scotland and Wales is the responsibility of my right, hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales.

Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the museums in England and Wales registered under the Museums and Galleries Commission's registration scheme. [6313]

Mr. Fisher

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: There are about 1,000 museums in England and Wales which are currently registered under the Museums and Galleries Commission's registration scheme. Copies of the list have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the museums in England and Wales(a) owned and (b) managed by universities. [6315]

Mr. Fisher

[holding answer 1 July 1997]: A list of university museums in England and Wales owned or managed by universities, and registered with the Museums and Galleries Commission, has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The list contains nearly 60 such museums. The Commission are in the process of completing a survey of all university collections in this country.