CENTENARY OF THE NATIONAL TRUST ACT

That this House notes that August 2007 will mark the centenary of the National Trust Act, which provided the legal framework for the National Trust to be established and gave it powers to make by-laws and declare its land and properties inalienable; salutes the Trust's three founders, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, Octavia Hill and Sir Robert Hunter, for their vision and determination in establishing an organisation that now protects over 617,500 acres of British countryside and 700 miles of coastline; recognises the enormous contribution made by the National Trust and its 43,000 volunteers, without which the heritage and culture of the nation would not have benefited from the outstanding beauty of the 316 houses, castles, churches and pubs in the Trust's care; congratulates the Trust on achieving its centenary; and wishes it well for the next 100 years.