National Railway Museum, York

HC Deb 14 April 1986 vol 95 c575

39. Mr. Adley

asked the Minister for the Arts if he will pay a visit to the National Railway museum, York.

Mr. Luce

I hope to do so before long.

Mr. Adley

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he will be extremely welcome? Is he further aware that the museum, in addition to showing off the country's history, currently runs a number of steam locomotives and thus earns money for the museum? Will he confirm that the Government's policy is to encourage museums to earn money from such occupations and to keep and reinvest such earnings?

Mr. Luce

I know of my hon. Friend's keen interest in such matters. I look forward to my visit to the National Railway museum at York. My hon. Friend is right to say that the museum, as part of the Science museum, is being encouraged to raise extra revenue without obstacles being put in its way by the Government. In that way I hope that increased resources will help to provide a better service.