§ 8. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Works what success the Historic Buildings Bureau has had, since it was set up, 1712 in its attempt to find occupiers for those historic houses which are without a use and in danger of demolition or decay.
§ Mr. BirchThe Historic Buildings Bureau has so far found prospective occupiers for three historic buildings which were without a use.
§ Mr. FletcherWould the Minister say whether it is right, as recorded, that a number of these historic houses such as Staunton Harold and Rushbrooke Hall, for which the Minister has offered a grant, are unoccupied and are likely to fall into decay?
§ Mr. BirchThe reason for setting up the Historic Buildings Bureau is the great difficulty in finding tenants for historic houses. One can always find a tenant for a small house near London, but what is difficult is to find a tenant for a palace in the country.
Mr. VaneWill my right hon. Friend help the Historic Buildings Bureau by impressing upon his colleagues, when they want fresh accommodation, the importance of trying to use buildings of historic value, rather than embark upon new building ventures?
§ Mr. BirchI am much obliged to my hon. Friend for all the work that he has done for this Bureau, but we have to have a Government building somewhere appropriate for the performance of its task. It is not always possible to use these places. My hon. Friend's point is a good one, and I will certainly do what I can to take it up.
Mr. DugdaleWould the Minister also consider suggesting to local authorities that they might be able to use some of these buildings which are in areas with which they are concerned?