§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proposals they have for the future of Ironbridge following the wind-up of Telford Development Corporation.
§ Baroness BlatchIn June 1989, my honourable friend the Minister for the Environment and Countryside agreed to the setting up of a trust to take on the management of historical and archaeological58WA assets at Ironbridge, to coincide with the winding up of Telford Development Corporation. The unique collection of historic and archaeological remains in the Ironbridge Gorge is recognised as a World Heritage site and is a significant national tourist attraction. Setting up a trust was considered to be the most appropriate means of ensuring a secure future for the collection.
To reflect the importance of this transfer, my department is establishing an endowment of £4 million for the trust, the Ironbridge Heritage Foundation Limited, for the maintenance and management of the site and monuments. The trust will soon be exploring investment options for the dowry and ownership of the assets will be transferred from Telford Development Corporation to the trust.