§ Mr. Straussasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from the Imperial War Museum about the future of HMS "Belfast".
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsAt the request of the Trustees of the Imperial War Museum I have agreed that HMS "Belfast" should be taken over by the museum when the necessary practical and legal arrangements have been made. I accept their view that HMS "Belfast" is a unique demonstration of an important phase of our history and technology. The ship will remain at her moorings near Tower Bridge and will be open to the public as hitherto. The Trustees of the Imperial War Museum have agreed to meet the net cost of running the ship from within the resources available to them.