HC Deb 02 June 1992 vol 208 cc421-2W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what jurisdiction he has over the national heritage of Scotland; and how this compares with his responsibilities in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Key

The responsibilities of the Secretary of State for National Heritage in relation to heritage matters in Scotland broadly follow the territorial division of responsibilities which existed prior to the creation of the Department of National Heritage. Responsibilities of the Secretary of State which extend to Scotland are; sponsorship of the National Heritage Memorial Fund; the work of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites; the Great Britain Sports Council and the international promotion of British Sport; British Screen Finance; European Co-production Fund; Audio Visual Eureka; Film Certification; the United Kingdom Film Commission; the MEDIA programme; the National Film and Television School; the British Film Institute; the work of the Reviewing Committee on the Export Works of Art; broadcasting; the British Library and the performing arts. He consults the Secretary of State for Scotland on these matters where appropriate.

Responsibility for national museums and galleries, public libraries, acceptance of works of art in lieu of tax, the Government indemnity scheme and tourism in Scotland lies with the Secretary of State for Scotland.

The Secretary of State's responsibilities in Scotland do not extend to the acceptance of property or works of art in satisfaction of tax or the policy and funding of film culture as they do in Wales; otherwise his responsibilities in Wales and Scotland are broadly similar. In Northern Ireland, he does not have responsibility for the performing arts, museums and galleries, libraries, tourism, heritage matters or sport and recreation.