§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has received about the closure on the education unit at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford; if he has authorised his officials to have discussions with the museum about the securing of funding to enable the unit to be reopened; and if he will make a statement. [19860]
§ Mr. Dorrell[holding answer 18 April 1995]: Since 1984, educational provision of the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford has been generously supported by the city of Bradford metropolitan council. I understand this funding has now been withdrawn, reluctantly, at short notice and the education unit has had to be closed in consequence. I have not received any representations about the closure. My Department provides funding of £21.7 million to the National Museum of Science and Industry, of which the NMPFT is a part, and it is for the trustees of the National Museum of Science and Industry to decide how to spend this money. I understand, however, that the museum is currently reviewing its formal education programme of free direct teaching for educational visitors and that, when the necessary planning and preparation are completed, it expects to put in place a revised programme of education provision, as part of its long-term commitment to education as an integral part of its activities.