22 SEPTEMBER 1928, Page 3

The Royal Commission on National Museums and Galleries has unexpectedly

issued an Interim Report and a remarkable document it is. Evidently the Com- mission felt that it had things to say which admitted of no delay. The Report raises at one swoop the whole familiar question, "What is true and what is false economy ? " And it answers the question by pointing out conclusively (as we think) that the present " rigours " of the Treasury are false economy because they actually prevent the national treasures from being put to anything like their proper educational uses. The Commission presents a programme of pressing reforms. The estimated cost would be /779,000. Spread over fifteen years this would mean £52,000 a year. It is a more moderate demand than we have yet had from enthusiasts.