HL Deb 29 October 1947 vol 152 cc255-6
LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government, whether as reported in the Press, it is their intention not to acquire Trafalgar House and its contents, and that the property, together with the Nelson relics, is to be sold; and whether a decision can be postponed until the matter has been debated in Parliament.]

LORD PAKENHAM

My Lords, the Government examined sympathetically the question whether Trafalgar House could have been used for some naval or other public purpose, and whether, if it could, they would be prepared to negotiate a purchase. They regret, however, that no such arrangement for public use was found possible. The trustees were informed that, so far as the Government were concerned, they were free to dispose of the House in whatever way they wished. The Government do not feel that any good purpose would be served by a renewed examination of the possibilities of public use. As regards the relics, the Trustees of the National Maritime Museum are in touch with Lord Nelson as representing the family.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I did not anticipate a reply from my noble friend in addition to his other duties. Can the Government not give considera- tion to making public use of this historic building by preserving it as a national museum? It would possibly pay its way through a moderate fee for admission. I hope the Government will not allow it to be thrown on the open market and bought and possibly shipped abroad.

LORD PAKENHAM

My Lords, I am afraid I can only repeat what I have said. After a great deal of consideration the Government do not feel that any good purpose would be served by a renewed examination of the possibilities of public use, but if the noble Lord will discuss the matter with me afterwards I shall be very pleased. I cannot hold out any hope this afternoon of a change of policy, but I will see that consideration is given to what my noble friend has in mind.

LORD STRABOLGI

By which noble friend?

LORD PAKENHAM

The right honourable gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

My Lords, if the Government can find no possible use for this house, would they consider making it still possible for the descendants of Lord Nelson to stay there?

LORD PAKENHAM

We will consider anything and everything, particularly when it comes from the noble Marquess, but I cannot hold out any hope to-day of a change in policy.