HC Deb 10 December 1948 vol 459 cc87-8W
Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any statement to make about the preservation of houses of national importance.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes. On more than one occasion in the last year or so it has been necessary to make special provision from public funds in order to secure for the nation certain houses of national importance which might otherwise have been in danger. The Government think, however, that it is unsatisfactory to have to deal with such cases in a piecemeal way and that it is necessary to work out a general policy. In order that the various issues may be fully ventilated before any general decisions are reached, I have decided to appoint a Committee with the following terms of referenceTo consider and report what general arrangements might be made by the Government for the preservation, maintenance and use of houses of outstanding historic or architectural interest which might otherwise not be preserved, including where desirable the preservation of a house and its contents as a unity.

The Members of the Committee are:

  • Sir Ernest Gowers, G.B.E., K.C.B. (Chairman).
  • Lady Anderson.
  • W. H. Ansell, Esq., M.C., F.R.I.B.A., A.R.E.
  • Professor A. F. Blunt, C.V.O.
  • Sir Cyril Fox, F.B.A., F.S.A., Litt.D.
  • J. D. Imrie, Esq., C.B.E.
  • J. C. Little, Esq., C.B.E.