HC Deb 14 May 1953 vol 515 cc1412-4
46. Mr. Colegate

asked the Minister of Works whether the Government have yet decided on the method to be adopted for the preservation of historic buildings.

The Minister of Works (Mr. David Eccles)

Yes, Sir. The Government are preparing a Bill which will authorise the Minister of Works to pay grants for the repair and maintenance of buildings of outstanding historic or architectural merit. The grants could be either on an annual basis or for an agreed period of years. Historic buildings councils will be set up for England, for Wales and for Scotland to advise the Minister in the exercise of these powers.

I am glad to say that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed to make £500,000 available from the National Land Fund over a period of five years, for the purchase of outstanding buildings which would otherwise be lost. This is additional to the £250,000 a year which will be available for repair and maintenance grants. It is hoped that the National Trusts will be willing to participate in the administration of this work.

Mr. Colegate

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his welcome information, can he assure us that we shall see the Bill before the expiry of the present Session?

Mr. Eccles

Yes. I hope to introduce the Bill quite soon. What progress it makes depends upon the time of the House.

Mr. Snow

In so far as these grants, in the event, are proved to be inadequate for the overall problem, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the President of the Board of Trade to determine whether industrial interests might not be given leases of historical buildings that are now vacant and which might be used instead of new constructions?

Mr. Eccles

We certainly will consider that suggestion, but we are making a start.

Mr. Horobin

In view of the fact that the National Trust alone has a list of something like 100 important houses either demolished or in immediate danger, does my right hon. Friend not think that the sum he has mentioned will be quite inadequate to stem the havoc to our national heritage?

Mr. Eccles

Of course the sum will not be adequate but it is a start and we must do as well with it as we can.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Is it not a fact that the amount of money which has been made available for this purpose represents less than 1 per cent. of the amount of the National Land Fund? What is being done with the other 99 per cent.?

Mr. Eccles

That is not a question for me.