HC Deb 01 August 1961 vol 645 cc1116-7
1. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (1) whether he is aware of the continued deterioration of numbers 1 to 8, Charlotte Street, Bristol, which are listed as buildings of architectural interest; and what action he is now taking to preserve them;

(2) whether the owners of numbers 1 to 8, Charlotte Street, Bristol, have informed him of any plans for the preservation of the facades and for reconstruction of the interiors.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)

My right hon. Friend has no power to require works of repair and maintenance to be done. However, a new scheme for converting the houses into small residential units was submitted recently to the Bristol City Council and referred by it to him. This provides for the retention of the existing facades, and my right hon. Friend has told the council that he welcomes it. He understands that it has granted planning permission.

Mr. Cooke

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask him if he is aware that it will give great satisfaction to my constituents?