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Mr. Stephen Ross
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the latest initiative by the National Trust, he will now instigate discussions with those concerned to establish a permanent endowment fund for the preservation of Mentmore Towers and its contents.
Mr. Shore
I welcome the initiative, but what is lacking is the essential private contribution of £2 million or thereabouts towards the purchase of Mentmore Towers and its contents. Discussions about endowment funds would be premature until we know whether it will be possible to buy the property.