§ 46. Mr. Willisasked the Prime Minister what are the arrangements for ensuring that manuscripts and documents of historical and national importance are retained within this country.
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of permanent measures for the general protection of manuscripts (including restrictions on export) is under consideration by a representative Committee appointed by the Master of the Rolls. As a result of recommendations made by this Committee, a National Register of Archives is being undertaken by the Historical Manuscripts Commission with the aid of258W committees of voluntary helpers throughout the country, and the work of this organisation has already had the incidental result of important manuscripts accumulations, for instance the Fitz-William Papers, for which the owners no longer have adequate accommodation, being temporarily or permanently placed in approved custody.