§ 7. Mr. Fletcherasked the Minister of Works what evidence he has submitted to the commission set up by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to consider the inadequacy of present measures for protecting redundant churches of historic and architectural interest.
§ Lord John HopeMy Department has submitted a memorandum to the Commission and has also given oral evidence.
§ Mr. FletcherWould the Minister be good enough to say whether he has, among other things, suggested that as the Ancient Monuments Acts do not apply to ecclesiastical buildings, he would hope that the church authorities will not allow any churches of intrinsic value to be destroyed on the grounds of redundancy, without prior consultation both with his Department and the Royal Fine Art Commission?
§ Lord John HopeThe hon. Gentleman has given us his view but it would not be proper, while the Commission is still sitting, for me to disclose the nature of the evidence I have submitted.