HL Deb 31 March 1999 vol 599 c89WA
The Earl of Carlisle

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the managing director of the British Museum, when appointed, will be responsible, in any way, to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. [HL1706]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

I understand that the Board of Trustees of the British Museum have announced today that Ms Suzanna Taverne has been appointed as managing director of the British Museum. Ms Taverne will be designated as an Accounting Officer by the departmental Accounting Officer of the DCMS. In this capacity the managing director will be accountable to Parliament for: the propriety and regularity of the public finances for which she is answerable; the keeping of proper accounts; prudent and economical administration; the avoidance of waste and extravagance; and the efficient and effective use of all the resources under her control. In every other respect Ms Taverne will be responsible to the Board of Trustees of the British Museum.