asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations and communications, respectively, with the boards of trustees of the national museums and galleries occurred between 30th October, 1970, and the publication in May, 1971, in Command Paper No. 4676 of the details of the scheme for the implementation of admission charges at the national museums and galleries.

During this period the considered views of the museums and galleries about a scheme of charges and methods of collection were received and discussions were held with each institution about the practical problems involved in the collection of charges.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether any communications or consultations took place with the boards of trustees of the national museums and galleries before the announcement of the imposition of admission charges was made on 27th October, 1970.

No.