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Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Answer

Ms Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when his Department will publish the report of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Design Group; and if he will make a statement about his plans for implementing the recommendations in the report. [86305] Mr. Chris Smith: My Department is today placing copies of the report in the Libraries of both Houses. A copy is also being made accessible on my Department's website, www.culture.gov.uk. The Department would be pleased to receive any views from interested parties about the report, as it takes forward the process of establishing the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council by 1 April 2000. There are a number of issues arising from the report which affect the libraries, museums and archives communities and which my Department will be discussing with bodies representing those communities over the coming months. To start this process, I have written to the National Museum Directors' Conference to invite them to propose ways in which the national museums and galleries, and the British Library, can assist the new body in its work. Detailed decisions about the role and priorities of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council will be made by the Chair and other board members once they have been appointed later this year.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

86305; 332 c231W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Design Archives Libraries Museums and galleries Publications Museums, Libraries and Archives Council