HC Deb 11 December 1956 vol 562 c220
40. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government for how many local authority districts a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest has still to be issued; of these, how many have still to be surveyed; and when it is expected the work will be completed throughout the country.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

Out of 1,480 local authorities areas, 1,071 have been surveyed. Lists, including interim lists, have been issued in respect of 1,177 areas. I cannot forecast when this work will be completed.

Dr. Stross

While thanking the Minister for his Answer, may I ask him whether he would agree that, as so much of the work has already been done, it really is time it was completed? Will he give what encouragement he possibly can to see that it is expedited?

Mr. Sandys

Yes, within reason; but there is, of course, a fearful amount of work involved in listing, and it does inevitably take time.