§ 37. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she has studied the request of the Northumberland County Council submitted to her by the hon. Member for Tynemouth asking that the Railways Records at present at York shall not be transferred to London; and what action she now proposes to take.
§ Mrs. ThatcherYes. The original proposal to concentrate all the Railway Historical Records at York provoked serious opposition resulting in a deputation to the former Minister for the Arts. 209W The deputation included representatives of the British Records Association, the Historical Association, the Economic History Society, the Society of Archivists and the Business Archives Council. My noble Friend is satisfied that the interests of the users of these records make it essential to keep them together in the care of the Public Record Office.
§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations have been held, or are to be held, by her Department with historians and universities in the north of England concerning the proposed removal of British Railway Archives.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeConsultations have taken place on a national basis with representatives of the British Records Association, the Economic History Society, the Historical Association, the Society of Archivists, the Science Museum and the Public Record Office. There has also been correspondence with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of York.