Explanatory note

This Order gives effect to the Railway Heritage Scheme set out in the Schedule.

The Order revokes and replaces the Railway Heritage Scheme Order 1997 (“the 1997 Order”), made under section 2 of the Railway Heritage Act 1996. The Scheme set out in the 1997 Order provided for the continued establishment of the Railway Heritage Committee, the duration and termination of membership of the Committee, proceedings of the Committee, establishment, membership, functions and proceedings of sub-committees, matters of administrative and secretarial assistance and expenses, and records of the Committee. That Order also enabled the Committee to set quorums for its meetings and those of sub-committees, and enabled the Committee to appoint a deputy chairman.

These provisions have been largely re-enacted in the Scheme set out in this Order with references to the British Railways Board replaced by references to the Secretary of State. The sole substantive difference between the two Schemes is that there is no equivalent in this Scheme to the requirement (in paragraph 4(2) and (6) of the Scheme set out in the 1997 Order) for the approval of the British Railways Board to be obtained in relation to the membership and termination of membership of sub-committees.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the costs of business.