§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the security arrangements for the storage facilities of the national museums and galleries are satisfactory, and, if not, whether they will take steps to ensure their improvement; and [HL4259]
Whether they consider that the national museums and galleries are properly aware of the content of the collections. [HL4260]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyCataloguing and security arrangements for the national collections are of the utmost importance, and significant resources have been invested in this area over recent years. Each institution has put in place appropriate policies and procedures, and the introduction of better documentation standards has helped to improve stewardship.
The national museums and galleries are not complacent in this area, and they are constantly seeking to improve their performance. The heads of security of the national museums and galleries meet the security adviser of the Museums and Galleries Commission on a regular basis to discuss security breaches and any new guidance and innovations.