HC Deb 17 April 1956 vol 551 cc840-1
53. Mr. Gower

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases in the last five years land in Wales has been accepted for the National Trust in satisfaction of death duties; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Brooke

Two properties in Wales, both part of the Penrhyn Estate, were transferred to the National Trust in 1951, after acceptance in satisfaction of death duties. There have been no other cases in the last five years.

Mr. Gower

Has my right hon. Friend noted that some people in Wales have advocated the setting up of a separate National Trust for Wales? In his future consideration of this problem, will he bear in mind that however strange it may seem to some critics, it is possible that some people in Wales would be more likely to leave property to such a a separate Welsh body?

Mr. Brooke

I had noted that my hon. Friend has a Question on the Order Paper to the Minister for Welsh Affairs for Thursday. I had much better not anticipate my right hon. and gallant Friend's answer.