§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the future of the Historical Manuscripts Commission in the light of the recommendations in the Chipperfield report. [71352]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts announced on Friday 12 July the publication of the report into the review of the functions carried out by the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts (HMC) by Sir Geoffrey Chipperfield.
The Government accept the key recommendations of the report and as a result of consultations with the Lord Chancellor's Department, the Public Record Office and the Historical Manuscripts Commission my right hon. and noble Friend was able to announce that the Government intend to establish a new body, the National Archives. This will bring together functions relating to public and private records, in order to serve the nation's archives in a more efficient and effective way. It will also enhance access by members of the public to this uniquely rich national resource. The new body will report to the Lord Chancellor.
To help facilitate the establishment of this new body, my Department has agreed to provide additional investment to enable the HMC to upgrade the National Register of Archives.
Copies of the report are available in the Libraries of both Houses.