CHATSWORTH ART COLLECTION

HC Deb 22 June 1954 vol 529 cc225-6

34. Mr. Norman Smith

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Chatsworth art collection forms a valuable part of the British artistic heritage; and if he will, having regard to the incidence of death duties on the Devonshire estate, consider

Mr. R. A. Butler

Eight hundred and seventy-eight applications for Treasury consent have been made. Fourteen applications have been refused.

Mr. Grimond

Can the Chancellor indicate the sort of grounds upon which these applications are now refused?

Mr. Butler

Not without notice or without detaining the House for a very long time. If the hon. Gentleman puts that Question down, I will endeavour to answer it.