§ 25. Mr. Dalyellasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the progress made by the national heritage trustees in finding appropriate headquarters in a building worthy of restoration.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Neil Macfarlane)The choice of headquarters of the national heritage memorial fund is a matter for the trustees themselves. I understand that the trustees are actively seeking accommodation and that they are aware of the point made by the hon. Gentleman when he raised this issue on 21 April.
§ Mr. DalyellIf the cost of the headquarters does not come out of the £12.4 million, surely the Government have some say in the matter. Do the Government accept the criteria that the headquarters should be in a building that is worthy of restoration, and that the trustees should set an example?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI am sure that the hon. Gentleman is a sufficiently powerful advocate for me not to have to act as a messenger boy on this occasion. I am certain that the trustees will be more than aware of his point. I hope the theme that he echoed will be acknowledged by the trustees. He has made an important point, and I hope that the trustees will acknowledge it, and reflect upon it in the fullness of time.
§ Mr. CormackWill my hon. Friend assure the House that in no circumstances will the trustees be given permission-even if they should request it—to base their headquarters in that appalling building in Marsham Street?
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI am always happy to try to given an assurance, but I am sure the House will recognise that I do not have the authority or autonomy to give such an assurance in this case. I hope that the hon. Gentleman's point will be acknowledged and echoed by the trustees when they make their decision.