asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many requests for financial contributions from the National Land Fund have been refused since it was established in 1946.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 31st March 1977; Vol. 929, c. 238], gave the following information:Such requests are sympathetically considered, but it would involve disproportionate time and effort to assemble the information requested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a formal request for the resources of the National Land Fund to be used for the purchase of Mentmore Towers and its contents; if so, when the request was made; and what sum was involved.

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 31st March 1977; Vol. 929, c. 238], gave the following information:I would refer the hon. Member to a reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on 7th March to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Warley, East (Mr. Faulds). The Government's contribution towards the cost of purchasing Mentmore Towers and its contents would involve a call on the resources of the National Land Fund.