§ Mr. Cormackasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many works of art have been taken into public ownership in part payment of estate duty since 1967; and how many of these are in the custody of the National Trust.
§ Mr. HigginsSince the beginning of 1967, seven pre-eminent works of art have been accepted in satisfaction or part satisfaction of estate duty under Section 34 of the Finance Act, 1956; none are in the custody of the National Trusts. 171 pictures have been so accepted under Section 30 of the Finance Act, 1953, as objects associated with a building in the ownership of the Trusts; the most important of these pictures have been lent, the remainder gifted outright.
§ Mr. Moneyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for the long-term care of works of art taken into public ownership in part payment of estate and administered on behalf of Her Majesty's Government by the National Trust.
§ Mr. HigginsThe National Trust is lent certain objects, including pictures which have been acquired for the public under Section 30 of the Finance Act, 1953, to preserve in association with one if its buildings. It must maintain the articles in good condition and carry out any desirable restoration or preservation. A director of an appropriate national institution is asked from time to time to inspect such items.