HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc356-7W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the public funding of regimental museums. [7114]

Mr. Spellar

The funding of regimental and corps museums was reviewed in 1995. This led to a decision to reduce the funds allocated to museum operation by 12.7 per cent. from April 1998. Since then, an Army museums panel has been constituted whose responsibilities include reviewing the allocation of public funds that are applied to the operation of regimental and corps museums.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he or his Department have had with the Department of National Heritage concerning attracting a wider range of sources of funding for regimental museums. [7115]

Mr. Spellar

An Army museums panel has been established with responsibility for guiding policy for regimental and corps museums. The panel includes representation from the Museums and Galleries Commission, and the Department of National Heritage. The panel as a whole considers opportunities for alternative sources of funding including bids to the heritage lottery fund. Three regimental museums have so far obtained HLF funding.