HL Deb 13 December 2001 vol 629 c232WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their plans to conserve and display the fore topsail of HMS Victory in time for the bicentenary celebrations of the battle of Trafalgar in 2005; and whether they will ensure that the display of the topsail takes place in London so that it is accessible to the greatest number of people before it is returned to its permanent home in Portsmouth. [HL1880]

Lord Bach

The fore topsail of HMS Victory is currently in protective storage in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. A programme of conservation and survey is in hand which will shortly be reporting on its future conservation needs and possible display options. We recognise that the sail should be displayed for the Trafalgar bicentenary if possible, but no decisions can be taken until the recommendations of this report are known and proper account can be taken of the long-term preservation needs of this unique heritage item.