§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has for each of the last five years as to the total amount provided by British Rail specifically to the purpose of protecting, improving and monitoring the heritage insofar as it relates to property for which it is responsible; and why Her Majesty's Government requires such expenditure to be funded by British Rail from its normal operating resources.
§ Mr. David MitchellI understand that British Rail provided approximately £1.1 million in 1985–86 towards286W the first year of the Railway Heritage Trust's activities. Information is not available in the form requested for earlier years. BR's responsibilities towards its heritage property are primarily associated with the operation of the railway, and expenditure on the upkeep of such property is a legitimate charge on the running of its business, as it would be with any other organisation. Where heritage property is associated with grant-aided services, the Government provide a full contribution towards funding through the PSO grant.