§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will specify the reasons for giving his approval to the national heritage fund trustees to acquire works of art at Messrs. Christie's on Thursday 19 June.
§ Mr. MonroMy right hon. Friend's decision to allow the trustees of the national heritage memorial fund to retain certain works of art sold from 745W Kedleston Hall was taken in the knowledge that the house and its contents might well be offered to the Government in satisfaction of capital transfer tax.
The Government were informed by their expert advisors that the items concerned are of considerable importance to Kedleston and should be allowed to remain there if at all possible. Permission to retain the items was given on the understanding that the trustees intend that all the objects purchased should be returned to Kedleston if and when it comes into public ownership.