HC Deb 09 June 1953 vol 516 cc10-2
22. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Works whether uninhabited as well as inhabited houses of outstanding historic or architectural merit will qualify for repair and maintenance grants under his latest proposals.

Sir D. Eccles

Yes, Sir.

Sir E. Keeling

Can my right hon. Friend say when he proposes to introduce the Bill to give effect to this proposal?

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir; I cannot at present.

23. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Works how many houses of outstanding historic or architectural merit in Scotland he estimates will qualify for repair and maintenance grants under his latest proposals.

Sir D. Eccles

It is not possible at this stage to say how many buildings of outstanding historic or architectural merit in Scotland will qualify for repairs and maintenance grants. Each case will have to be considered on its merits.

Captain Duncan

Will my right hon. Friend make some inquiries before the Bill is introduced in order to see that an adequate share of the very small sum of money which is available is given to Scotland?

Sir D. Eccles

My impression is that Scotland always has an adequate share.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

If the Minister does not know how many houses are involved, how can he arrive at the amount to be paid out?

Sir D. Eccles

I was very grateful to receive the sum which the Chancellor of the Exchequer was willing to give me.

24. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Works whether ancient monuments not regarded by him as important enough for maintenance by him, but of outstanding historic or architectural merit, will qualify for repair and maintenance grants under his latest proposals.

Sir D. Eccles

No, Sir. The object of new proposals is to secure the preservation of buildings, and primarily of houses, of outstanding historic or architectural merit. My Ministry will continue to administer the Ancient Monuments Acts with the monies separately voted by Parliament.

Captain Duncan

Is not the Minister aware that there are some constructions, such as bridges, which are of historic importance, and which, though listed as ancient monuments, are not maintained as such? Would they be covered?

Sir D. Eccles

My hon. and gallant Friend will realise the limitations of the £250,000 a year. We must do the best we can with it, and I should think it would be the view of the House that houses should come first.

Mr. Grimond

Will the Minister bear in mind, when considering the matter, the importance in Scotland of groups of quite small houses, none of which may be individually important, but which, taken together, are of great interest?

Sir D. Eccles

I am certain that the Advisory Council for Scotland will bring just that kind of thing to my attention.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

In order to satisfy this disquiet in Scotland, would my right hon. Friend make sure that no less than the Goschen formula of eleven-eightieths will come to Scotland?

Sir D. Eccles

I am not very sure of my arithmetic, but, no doubt, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will look after that.

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