Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1993 > CHAPTER 4 �5 1 (3)

Since the enactment of the Ancient Monuments Protection Act in 1882.the United Kingdom's legal systems for the protection of cultural properties have undergone many changes. The basic laws prescribing the current system include the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Act 1979.

According to the Planning Act 1990, the Secretary of State for National Heritage, with the advice of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, a governmental advisory organ, is to draw up a list of buildings which are architecturally and historically important. The Secretary then takes measures to preserve the registered buildings on this list by, for example, prohibiting alterations in the existing states of these buildings or purchasing them forcibly. Although the system varies somewhat in terms of region (for example. England's system might differ from the systems in effect in Scotland and other regions), minister in charge, or fundamental laws. The measures that are implemented are basically similar. The national or local government' designates architecturally and historically important districts, thus controlling land development in these areas.

In a similar manner to the Planning Act 1990, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 prescribes making a list of monuments with the advice of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, and the taking of various measures for their preservation.

The exportation of artwork, antiques and so on is also under the authority of the Secretary of State for National Heritage.
2) Organizations for the protection of cultural properties

Established in 1984, the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, which also functions as a governmental advisory organ, directly administers about 400 historic buildings and monuments and provides subsidies for the preservation and restoration of the historic buildings and monuments registered in the above-mentioned list.

With governmental subsidies and income generated by interest on the Fund, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, established in 1980, assists with the acquisition and preservation of historic buildings, fire works of art and other items.

The National Trust. a private organization established in 1895 with over 2 million members, purchases and protects lands and buildings which are in danger of demolition as well as open them to the public. The National Trust currently is in possession of land amounting to 230,000 hectares.