HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 cc17-8
20. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the national heritage memorial fund is available for use by British Railways for structures in its ownership and in current use; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

I doubt whether this would be an appropriate use of the national heritage fund's money, but, as my hon. Friend knows, a railway preservation society could be eligible for such assistance.

Mr. Adley

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the alleged plight of the architecturally outstanding Ribblehead viaduct on the Settle to Carlisle line, which was the subject of an Adjournment debate initiated by my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton (Mr. Watson) and which prompted even the Chief Whip to take part? Will my right hon. Friend look at that debate and the comments of the Under-Secretary of State for Transport? Having done so, will he reconsider his answer and, if he thinks it appropriate, contact his ministerial colleague and let me or him know whether money from the fund will be available for that architecturally important structure?

Mr. Channon

In view of what my hon. Friend says, I shall study what must have been an interesting and unusual debate. I shall write to him as soon as I have had the opportunity to study it.

Mr. Faulds

With trepidation, may I correct the Minister? In Committee on the National Heritage Bill we purposely threw the net wide. May I suggest that the Minister is a little peremptory in saying that railway mementos, such as the one mentioned by the hon. Member for Christchurch and Lymington (Mr. Adley), do not come within the purview of the Act?

Mr. Channon

When the hon. Gentleman studies what I have said, he will find that I did not say that. I said that I doubted whether it would be an appropriate use of the fund to make it available for use by British Rail. However, I shall read the debate.

Mr. Cormack

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the historic buildings councils give money for the preservation of such structures from time to time? Therefore, will he try to ensure that the memorial fund operates similarly?

Mr. Channon

I take note of the views expressed on both sides of the House. I shall look into the matter.