§ 3.7 p.m.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is the law of the land that a cathedral chapter can effect alterations to the fabric of their cathedral without reference to such advisory bodies as exist.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)My Lords, any alteration to the fabric of a cathedral which would materially affect its external appearance requires planning permission, as in the case of any other building. Internal alterations which do not materially affect the external appearance of the building may be carried out without reference to the local planning authority. While they are under no legal obligation to do so, I understand that it is often the practice of deans and chapters to consult the Cathedrals Advisory Committee of the Central Council for the Care of Churches before undertaking restorations or alterations to the fabric of their cathedrals.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for that reply, which goes a long way to confirm my worst suspicions. Can he give 1473 me any encouragement that his Department and Her Majesty's Government will do what they can to encourage deans and chapters to consult with the cathedral advisory body before they make any changes in the fabric of their cathedral?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, I am not sure that it would be right for the Government to say anything to deans and chapters about how they run their affairs. But I am glad to say that the Cathedrals Advisory Committee are coming to see me in a week or two to review the way the present system works.
THE LORD BISHOP OF LINCOLNMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that in many cases cathedral chapters consult with the Royal Fine Art Commission when making alterations of substance to the interior of cathedrals?
§ LORD KENNETYes, my Lords, and the Government are very glad that they do.