HC Deb 01 August 1978 vol 955 cc316-7W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total expenditure of the Directorate of Ancient Monuments on conservation work, excluding that on building conservation, for 1977–78.

Mr. Shore

I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to grants made under section 10 of the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 1972. Priority was given to schemes involving work to buildings but grants amounting to £29,754 were offered in the financial year 1977/78 for enhancement projects in conservation areas unconnected with work on buildings.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretray of State for the Environment what proportion annually over the last 10 years of the Directorate of Ancient Monuments' total expenditure has been specifically earmarked for conservation.

Mr. Shore

The 1977–78 expenditure under Class VIII Vote 2B on conservation was £1,452,358 (4.49 per cent.) out of £32,335,382 for the net expenditure in the Vote as a whole, excluding expenditure in Scotland. The Vote as a whole includes expenditure on royal palaces and parks,[...].ncient monuments, historic buildings, museums and galleries and parliamentary accommodation. In view of the number of changes in Departmental responsibilities since 1968 it would be disproportionately costly to provide the information in the form requested.