§ Mr. Worsleyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been taken to accept Clevedon Court, Somerset, in settlement of estate duty; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir E. BoyleClevedon Court, Somerset, and 11 acres of the grounds surrounding it were offered to the State in 1956 in settlement of duty payable on the estate of Sir Ambrose Elton, Bt. This whole property has now been accepted by the Treasury and has been transferred to the National Trust at a cost to the National Land Fund of £7,000. Clevedon Court is one of the few surviving early 14th-century manor houses. Before formal acceptance by the Treasury and transfer to the National Trust could take place considerable repairs and alterations were necessary. The repairs were undertaken with the help of grants totalling £22,592 made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act, 1953, and the works have now been completed. I understand that the National Trust intend to open Clevedon Court to the public forthwith.