§ 3.6 p.m.
§ LORD BURNTWOODMy 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 Hooker House, Halesworth, Suffolk is included in the lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest; and if so, on what date this item was included; and whether plans are now being considered by the Department of the Environment to demolish part of this house and to acquire part of the garden in order to build a new road; and whether an estimate can be given of the percentage additional cost if the best alternative route was used.]
1144§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)Yes, my Lords, Hooker House was listed in 1949. The Suffolk County Council have now notified my right honourable friend that they propose to allow partial demolition of this house. He is now considering whether to call-in the application for his own decision or to leave it for determination by the County Council.
§ LORD BURNTWOODMy Lords, it will be known to your Lordships that this house was the dwellingplace of Sir William Jackson Hooker, the founder of Kew Gardens as we now know them. It is perhaps an unpretentious but nevertheless a solid and rather charming house, with a potential for a garden. Is this not a matter which should receive the most careful consideration, since I understand it was the subject of a much more recent inquiry, when it was confirmed that the house should remain scheduled?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I am aware of these points.