To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is on the maintenance and preservation of collections of historic textiles in public ownership; and if he will make a statement. (175110)

[holding answer 17 December 2007]: The Victoria and Albert Museum houses the national collection of textiles and there are significant collections at other museums sponsored by the Department. The Government delegate responsibility for specific textile conservation policies to these and other public bodies with duties for the care and protection of cultural heritage.

The Institute of Conservation continues to support efforts to find a new home for the Textile Conservation Centre.