HC Deb 25 March 1980 vol 981 cc1373-4

Lords amendment: No. 17 in page 8, line 20, at end insert— (d) at the end of sub-paragraph (5) there shall be inserted the words "and, in determining under sub-paragraph (4) above whether an object or collection or group of objects is pre-eminent, regard shall be had to any significant association of the object, collection or group with a particular place",

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this it will be convenient to take Lords amendment No. 18.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

These amendments concern the definition of pre-eminence and the importance of leaving property in situ. They have been constant themes in our debates. The amendments are designed to clarify an obscure passage in the Finance Acts on which rests the Government's policy in situ. It is clear that in assessing an object of pre-eminence account can be taken of the significance of the setting. That is an important clarifying consideration. It was always our intention that this should be so. This puts the matter beyond doubt.

Mr. Dalyell

My hon. Friend the Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds), for whom I am standing in, will be pleased at the acceptance of this Lords amendment. He and other hon. Members argued this case strongly in Committee. It is a matter on which the so-called heritage lobby felt strongly. We are glad that it is now in the Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Lord amendment No. 18 agreed to.

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