§ 27. Mr. Adleyasked the Minister for the Arts what steps he is taking to promote the preservation of the nation's industrial archaeological heritage.
§ The Minister for the Arts (Mr. Richard Luce)My responsibility for the industrial archaeological heritage relates primarily to museums and their collections. My arts budget supports the relevant national museums, the local museum purchase and conservation grant funds, and the national heritage memorial fund. While I encourage worthwhile industrial heritage preservation projects, the resources devoted to these by the institutions from within their grants are largely matters for their judgment.
§ Mr. AdleyI thank my right hon. Friend for his reply, and I declare an interest. Does he agree that the Science museum and the National railway museum have a vital role to play in preserving the nation's industrial archaeology and that they value their independent status, which is a source of confidence to them? Will my right hon. Friend therefore confirm that he has no plans to change the system whereby each museum has its own parliamentary Vote?
§ Mr. LuceI acknowledge that my hon. Friend has a very close interest not only in the Science museum but in the National railway museum. I know the important role that he plays in their affairs. I am glad that the Science museum spends a considerable amount of its annual purchase grant on industrial items. As for the last part of my hon. Friend's question, a written statement will be published at 3.30 this afternoon.