asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the working party set up under his chairmanship over a year ago to reassess the nature, scope and organisation of Exchequer-financed work throughout Britain on identifying, recording and research into historic monuments and buildings has now completed its investigations; and when he will announce its conclusions.

The group's investigations are completed and I hope to make an early statement of the Government's intentions.

While welcoming that reply, may I ask whether we can have an assurance from the hon. Gentleman that he hopes that the statement which he will make will introduce some considerable improvement in the present arrangements?

I am very hopeful that the hon. Member will think so when the statement is made.