§ 49. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what conditions he lays down in making grants to owners for the maintenance and repair of historic houses.
§ Mr. RipponIt is a condition of these grants that all the work for which they are made is done to the Ministry's satisfaction. It is also a requirement that the public should be allowed reasonable access to the building. In addition, it is my practice before making a grant to obtain an assurance from the owner that the building will not be sold after it has been repaired.
§ 51. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will consider the holding of an international conference in the summer of 1965 on the care and restoration and use of historic buildings and the legislation connected therewith; and whether he will consider Hampton Court as a suitable place for this conference.
§ Mr. RipponThe Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe are examining a proposal to call an international conference on the preservation and development of groups and areas of buildings of historic or artistic interest. Her Majesty's Government have expressed their support for this proposal and, if it is approved, would be prepared to consider suggesting that the Conference should be held at a suitable place in this country. I do not, however, consider that Hampton Court would be suitable for this purpose.
§ 54. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he will publish an advisory leaflet setting out the various legislation aimed at preservation of historic buildings with the 176W relationships of the various Government departments and other official bodies concerned with preservation, recording and restoring historic buildings and ancient monuments.
§ Mr. SharplesWe will certainly consider this very interesting suggestion in consultation with the other Departments concerned.