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Science and Heritage (Science and Technology Committee Report)

This significant and weighty report has been cogently introduced. I dare say that the Minister has read it from cover to cover. In today’s debate, the DCMS leadership has had a pasting. Perhaps the Minister will state his perception of the leadership exercised by the department in this context, which might weigh on the other side. I draw the Minister’s attention to the memorandum by National Museums Liverpool, which is printed on page 269. Its recommendations are: "““Specific allocation of funding for conservation science, to which museums and other heritage organisations can apply alongside universities.""Definition of priorities for conservation research on a national level.""Regional centres to provide advice and scientific support to museums, local heritage organisations and private conservators””." It is reasonable for Liverpool to suggest that in this debate. I visited the conservation centre in Liverpool and was briefed by its able officers. That was several years ago, but the centre is open and free to enter and visitors are welcome. Next year, Liverpool will be the European Capital of Culture, and that great city is gathering its strength and gaining confidence and 2008 will be a big year in its history. I believe that its galleries and museums are some of the finest in the western world. Britain should be very proud of what is available. I recommend visiting the Walker Art Gallery, which has a Poussin, and the Lady Lever Art Gallery, which has a fine garden with sculptures and a unique bequest by the first Viscount Leverhulme. Tate Liverpool has an unrivalled location. Time is of the essence for a speaker in the gap, but I shall say that Liverpool has some very fine ideas in this context and we should all wish it all the very best in 2008.