§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines are laid down as to public rights of access in the case of historic houses and buildings in private ownership granted public moneys for restoration or similar purposes.
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§ Mr. ShoreThe conditions, including public access, to be attached to grants and loans under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 and related legislation are decided after consultation with my statutory advisers, the Historic Buildings Council. Each case is considered on its merits. Among the factors taken into account are the architectural and historic interest of the structure itself, the interest of the interior and contents, location, popularity with the public, the use of the building, whether it is in single or multiple occupation, the facilities that are or can be made available to the public, and security and safety of the building and contents.
Conditions of access to be attached to the exemption of buildings of outstanding historic or architectural interest and their amenity lands from capital transfer tax under the Finance Act 1975, on which the Treasury is advised by me after my consultation with the Historic Building Council, are determined on similar lines. Conditions of access for grants for the repair of buildings under the Local Authorities (Historic Buildings) Act 1972 are at the sole discretion of the local authorities.