HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 cc229-30W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he intends to transfer responsibility for any of his Department's sponsored museums to the Greater London Authority. [80236]

Mr. Chris Smith

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: The Greater London Authority Bill, currently before Parliament, does not provide for the transfer of responsibility for any of the museums and galleries which are sponsored by my Department. However, it is my intention to transfer to the Greater London Authority the responsibility for making some appointments to the Boards of museums which were previously funded by the Greater London Council. I am considering with colleagues the extent to which the Greater London Authority might be given further responsibilities in respect of museums and galleries in order to enhance the cultural role for the Authority.