§ Mr. Heathasked the Prime Minister whether the British Government propose to mark the centenary of the Confederation of Canada next year with a special gift.
§ The Prime MinisterThe British Government consider that it would be appropriate to mark this very special occasion with a gift to Canada in view of this country's rôle in the founding of the Canadian nation and our very close continuing ties with Canada.
A new building is being opened next year in Ottawa to house the National Library and Public Archives of Canada. It has been decided that the British gift should take the form of a work by a British sculptor for the new building and a large collection of books representative of the British heritage and including some rare items, prints and documents relating to Canada.
The cost of the gift will be about £100,000. Parliament will be asked in due course to approve the amount required in this financial year by means of a supplementary estimate. In the meantime an advance will, if necessary, be sought from the Civil Contingencies Fund.