HC Deb 27 July 2000 vol 354 cc818-9W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he intends to undertake reviews of the(a) National Heritage Memorial Fund, (b) National Gallery, (c) National Portrait Gallery and (d) Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. [133733]

Mr. Alan Howarth

As part of the Department's programme of quinquennial reviews of its public bodies, I am today announcing that this summer we will be starting reviews of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.

The reviews will include an evaluation of the role and functions of these bodies and how those functions can best be carried out, and a review of the efficiency and effectiveness of the way in which they deliver services to their users. We estimate that the reviews will be completed next spring. A copy of the announcement has been placed in the Libraries of the House.