§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will make a statement about the acquisition of property in lieu of Estate Duty on Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
§ Mr. MacDermotNos. 5, 6 and 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, have been offered in part satisfaction of Estate Duty on the death of the Fifth Marquess of Bute. This offer has been accepted, and the property will be put into the care of the National Trust for Scotland. The cost to the National Land Fund will be £70,000. These three houses are of outstanding architectural interest, and I am glad to announce that they have been acquired for the nation.
No. 5 will remain in use as the headquarters offices of the National Trust for Scotland.
The National Trust for Scotland are proposing to lease No. 6 to a new trust which is being set up to administer the house as an official residence for the Secretary of State for Scotland. Funds to equip and run the house are to be raised privately.
272WWhen the properties have been handed over, arrangements will be made for pubic access as appropriate.