asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many vacancies for qualified staff existed in the museums and galleries for which he is responsible on 1st April 1975;(2) if he will list the principal duties of the qualified staff employed in the museums and galleries for which he is responsible.

Qualified staff for whom a university degree is a normal requirement are concerned with the administration, conservation, exhibition, acquisition, circulation, explanation and research related to the collections of their institutions. Emphasis on these duties varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. On 1st April 1975 there were 18 vacancies for such staff in the national museums and galleries in England for which I am responsible.