§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will state the amount spent on the restoration of ancient buildings in Northern Ireland during the last financial year; if he will indicate the amount spent on each building; what plans there are for future developments in this field in the forthcoming year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. van. StraubenzeeThe total expenditure on conservation works at his-38W toric monuments during 1972–73 was £149,000. This relates to the 85 monuments under the care of the Ministry of Finance and includes expenditure of £49,250 on the central depot organisation and general day-to-day maintenance.
The main conservation works during 1972–73 were as follows:
£ Inch Abbey 13,720 Dunlunce Castle 11,815 Devenish Monastic Site 8,205 Castle Caufield 7,380 Hillsborough Fort 7,030 Londonderry City Walls 6,720 Hillsborough Courthouse 6,655 Beaghmore Stone Circles 6,285 Ossian's Grave 6,045 Greencastle 5,845 Carrickfergus Castle 4,880 Rough Fort 3,785 Dalways Bawn 3,285 Dundrum Castle 3,240 Banagher Church 2,600 Dromore Mound 1,645 As well as conservation work the historic monuments service covers archaeological surveys, rescue "digs" and scheduling of monuments in need of protection. Recently a further 48 monuments were taken over by the Ministry from county council ownership.
The staff and administration are at present under review and the projected expenditure for 1973–74 shows an increase of £22,500 over 1972–73.