HC Deb 24 October 1995 vol 264 cc596-7W
Mr. Bayley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money will be provided out of MOD funds to pay for staff in each regimental or military museum in the United Kingdom in 1995–96. [38382]

Mr. Soames

Seventy regimental museums will receive a total of around £1.6 million funding from MOD towards staff costs in 1995–96. Separately, MOD provides a grant in aid of £3.2 million to the National Army Museum which is applied to the museum's operating costs and purchase grant.

Mr. Bayley

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if we will ensure that his Department's funding for the museum of the Royal Dragon Guards and Prince of Wales, Own Regiment in York will be maintained in future years at a sufficient level to keep this joint regimental museum open; [38384]

(2) what are the terms of reference of his Department's review of funding for regimental museums; and when the conclusions of the review will be made public. [38383]

Mr. Soames

An internal MOD study earlier this year suggested, that savings might be possible in MOD funding for regimental and corps museums. Work is continuing on how savings could be achieved and the impact this would have on the continued existence of these museums, but no decisions have yet been made.