HC Deb 14 June 1993 vol 226 cc457-8W
23. Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage to what extent he has a duty to protect and restore ancient monuments, antiques and other important artefacts which are within public ownership.

Mr. Sproat

I have duties to compile a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest and a schedule of monuments, the purpose of which is to provide these with statutory protection, whether they are in private or public ownership. In the case of listed buildings, the protection extends to objects or structures fixed to them or within their curtilage.

I am also responsible for the maintenance of a number of buildings, memorials and statues directly in the care of my Department.

The care of artefacts within museums and galleries is the responsibility of those institutions.