NORTHERN IRELAND PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

HL Deb 19 July 1994 vol 557 cc28-30WA

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have for the future organisation of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)

The Government have decided that the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, which is responsible for the identification and preservation of Northern Ireland's archival heritage and for ensuring public access to that heritage, should become a Next Steps Agency from 1 April 1995. This will give the Public Record Office the freedom to operate as an independent organisation within a framework of appropriate efficiency targets and performance measures. Accountability for the organisation will remain with the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.