Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 January 2012. It was answered by John Penrose (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2012 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Arts

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will instruct English Heritage to take steps to prevent the dispersal of the collection of marbles formed by Henry Blundell now in the grounds of Ince Blundell Hall, Merseyside.

Answer: The removal of marbles at Ince Blundell is subject to Listed Building Consent and the decision rests with the local planning authority. Initially English Heritage advised that, if consent was given, the marbles should not be removed for one year to allow time for money to be raised for public or charitable acquisition. This condition was not accepted by the owner of Ince Blundell so English Heritage has advised refusal of consent for the removal of the marbles. However, some items have suffered serious deterioration and English Heritage has therefore advised their immediate removal for conservation purposes.

Secondary information