§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on his policy for assisting the conservation of manuscripts.
§ Mr. SproatMy right hon. Friend and I recognise the vital importance of the conservation of manuscripts in preserving the nation's heritage. The Department provides an annual grant to the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, enabling it to promote and assist the preservation of historical records. The Government were also instrumental in setting up in 1989 the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust for which they make annual funding available to provide assistance to owners and custodians in preserving manuscripts, documents and archives of national importance. In addition, Government funding for the new British Library building at St. Pancras will allow better preservation of the national collections for present and future users in a pollution-free environment.