SALE OF AUCKLAND CASTLE AND ZURBARáN PAINTINGS

That this House notes that the Bishop of Durham has lived in Auckland Castle for nearly 900 years; further notes that the paintings by Francisco de Zurbarn of Jacob and his 12 sons have hung there since they were bought by Bishop Trevor of Durham in 1756 as a sign of his sympathy with the Jewish community when Parliament repealed the Act allowing Jews to become full British citizens; believes that Auckland Castle and the Zurbarn paintings are much-loved and much-visited by the people of Bishop Auckland and Co. Durham; further notes that Auckland Castle parklands and gardens are open to the local community throughout the year; and therefore calls on the Church Commissioners not to sell Auckland Castle or the Zurbarn paintings so that they can continue to be enjoyed by the people of Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham and national and international visitors.