HL Deb 18 February 2003 vol 644 cc165-6WA
Lord Shutt of Greetland

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Privy Seal on 17 December 2002 (WA 100) and 13 January (WA 5) concerning Northern Ireland railway heritage, whether they see an opportunity for a new cross-border body to assist in the preservation of these artefacts and railway restoration in cooperation with the relevant local authorities and the volunteer enthusiasts of the Foyle Valley Railway Society (Northern Ireland), the County Donegal Railway Restoration Society and Cumann Traenach na Gaeltach Lair. [HL1527]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government have no plans to create a new cross-border body of the type mentioned, and the restoration and preservation of the artefacts at the Foyle Valley Railway Museum is, in the first instance, a matter for their respective owners. However, that does not prevent those involved with railway heritage on both sides of the border cooperating where there is a practical benefit to all parties.