HL Deb 16 May 1985 vol 463 c1249

3.8 p.m

Lord Chelwood

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in considering the present resources and tax incentives (including the "in lieu" procedures and CTT relief) to protect the heritage, they will take full account of land of exceptional scientific or scenic importance.

Lord Skelmersdale

Yes, my Lords.

Lord Chelwood

Good, my Lords.

Lord Strabolgi

My Lords, remembering that the Government put a £1 million ceiling for annual acceptance of heritage items, and that the noble Earl, Lord Gowrie, in the debate recently said that he was taking this up with his right honourable friend the Chancellor in view of feelings on all sides of the House and, indeed, outside, have the Government anything to report?

Lord Skelmersdale

My Lords, this matter is under urgent review. But I should point out to the noble Lord that the "in lieu" provisions are not the only way of funding the heritage on these occasions. There are of course the funds of the Office of Arts and Libraries, the Countryside Commission, the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Nature Conservancy Council; and of course special capital transfer tax arrangements are all designed with this object in view.