HC Deb 25 March 1985 vol 76 c18
28. Mr. Murphy

asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State answering in respect of the Arts what co-operation exists between the Office of Arts and Libraries and Europa Nostra; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

None, Sir.

Mr. Murphy

I thank my hon. Friend for the precision of his answer. Does he agree that Europa Nostra has a marvellous reputation for the preservation of the artistic and architectural heritage? Therefore, would it not be beneficial to have co-operation between the Office of Arts and Libraries, the Department of the Environment and that organisation?

Mr. Waldegrave

I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that that organisation is not open to membership by Governments, which is why the Government are not a member of it. A number of important institutions, such as the National Trust, are members of and co-operate with it. I know that my noble Friend Lord Avon will be having the luck to go to a conference in Spain this year at which Europa Nostra is to make a contribution.