EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice wants some of Britain's hidden art treasures to be put on display -- possibly in the area.

The Pendle Labour MP tackled arts minister Alan Haworth, on the issue. He told him that the Tate Gallery in London and Liverpool could only put 15 per cent of its world renowned collection on display at any given time, while the National Portrait Gallery had only 18 per cent of its collection on show and the Science Museum, London, less than five per cent.

Mr Prentice asked: "Why is it not possible to show items from our national collections in public spaces such as airports and railway concourses, with proper protection and introduce our citizens to the glories of these collections?"

Mr Haworth expressed sympathy with the idea, saying it was "highly desirable for more people to see them."

He said works of art were regularly lent and borrowed within the country, especially by regional galleries. He promised that Mr Prentice's views would be considered as part of a review of regional museums and galleries.

Mr Prentice said that rather than lend works of art to private sector organisations, cinema and theatre foyers might be more appropriate.

He said: "There are any number of interesting items from national collections which should be available to venues all over the country which can show them to advantage in a secure environment."

And while Mr Haworth promised that 86 per cent of the 1,000 items lent to the private sector had public access, Mr Prentice said he was disappointed that 14 per cent were off limits to ordinary people.

"Lending to private sector organisations is only appropriate where the general public has a right of access."