§ Lord Beloffasked Her Majesty's Government:
Who has ministerial responsibility for the sponsorship of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Young)My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has asked the Minister for the Arts to assume responsibility for the sponsorship of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts with effect from 1st April 1983. Previously, the Prime Minister had responsibility, as Minister for the Civil Service, for the commission's finances. This transfer of responsibility will in no way affect the commission's independence, and its functions will remain as set out in the Royal Warrant.