HL Deb 24 September 2002 vol 638 cc207-8WA
Lord Faulkner of Worcester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the amalgamation of the Historical Manuscripts Commission and the Public Record Office, they will invite the newly-formed National Archives to accept the deposited records of the privatised railway industry. [HL5688]

The Lord Chancellor

The Public Record Office (PRO) and the Historical Manuscripts Commission (HMC) will combine to form the National Archives in April 2003. As the HMC's current role does not include the acquisition of records, it is not anticipated that the coming together of the two organisations will impact immediately on the acquisition policy currently operated by the PRO. This policy excludes the records of privatised industries operating outside Government.

The National Archives will continue the practice of the PRO and the HMC in working closely with the Railway Heritage Committee to ensure that historically significant railway records are safeguarded and deposited with appropriate institutions.