HC Deb 29 June 1977 vol 934 cc230-1W
Mr. Cormack

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will list all those objects and properties required by, through, or with the assistance of, the National Land Fund since its establishment in 1946.

Mr. Denzil Davies

Property acquired with moneys provided from the National Land Fund is shown in the accounts of the National Land Fund from 1947–48 onwards. Copies of the accounts up to 1975–76 are available in the House of Commons Library.

So far as concerns property acquired during 1976–77, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary gave on 31st March to my hon. Friend the Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds).

Items which have been accepted so far during 1977–78, at a total net cost to the National Land Fund of £1,324,193, are as follows:

  1. (i) Cragside Hall, Rothbury, Northumberland, together with adjoining land, and the major contents;
  2. (ii) 18 William and Mary chairs associated with Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire;
  3. (iii) eighteenth century bureau cabinet made for Augustus III of Poland;
  4. (iv) seventeenth century ebony cabinet traditionally associated with Marie de Medici;
  5. (v) painting by Thomas Gainsborough "Greyhounds Coursing a Fox";
  6. (vi) a sculpture by Dame Barbara Hepworth-Nicholson;
  7. (vii) a George III mahogany commode; and
  8. (viii) a sketchbook by Adriaen van de Venne.
The first two items have been transferred to the National Trust to be held for the enjoyment of the public. An announcement of the destination of the last six items will be made by the Minister with special responsibility for the Arts in due course after taking advice from the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries.

Mr. Cormack

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Staffordshire, South-West on 22nd June, he will indicate how much cash contributions have been made to the National Land Fund by institutions and members of the general public.

Mr. Denzil Davies

In 1947–48 a bequest of £3,895 9s. 2d. was made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and credited to the National Land Fund. A gift of £10 was received last year.

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