§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the responsibilities of the Secretary of State for National Heritage.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Secretary of State for National Heritage will be responsible for many of the central areas of our national life which enhance its quality or contribute significantly to our sense of national identity. These include the present functions of the Office of Arts and Libraries—the arts, museums, galleries and libraries—together with film and the export licensing of antiques, functions which are to be transferred from the Department of Trade and Industry. He will be responsible for broadcasting, notably the review of the BBC's charter, the press—including work on the recommendations of the Calcutt committee—and the safety of sports grounds, all duties to be transferred from the Home Office; sport, from the Department of Education and Science; tourism, from the Department of Employment; and heritage from the Department of the Environment. He will be responsible for the Historic Royal Palaces Agency.
The Secretary of State will be responsible for the proposed national lottery and, in consultation with the Home Secretary, the legislation required to create it. The Secretary of State will also be responsible for the Millennium Fund.