§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the refurbishment of RRS "Discovery"; for how long has she been lying in St. Katherine's dock; when it is expected that she will be restored to her place on the River Thames; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr.Channon:The RRS "Discovery" is owned by the Maritime Trust, an independent body for which I am not responsible. I understand that the "Discovery" has been lying in St Katherine's dock since March 1980. Arrangements for its refurbishment and for placing it in a permanent berth are matters primarily for the trust. When those tasks have been completed, the National Maritime Museum—for which I have ministerial responsibility—will provide displays on board the "Discovery" to illustrate the ship's history and will maintain it as a museum facility open to the public, under an agreement with the trust.