§ 19. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how frequently the lists of buildings of architectural or historic interest are revised.
§ Mr. RipponNo systematic revision of the existing lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest has yet begun, though my right hon. Friend does, of course, make any necessary additions as they come to light.
§ Mr. DigbyWill my hon. Friend ensure that before supplementary lists are published, they are looked at and checked carefully in view of the fact that recently a well-known inn which had been demolished for two years was included in such a list? I will send my hon. Friend details.
§ Mr. RipponWe do our best to ensure that the lists are as accurate as possible.
§ 23. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs in how many local authority areas the lists of buildings of archæological and historic importance are incomplete; and what steps he is taking to improve the lists.
§ Mr. RipponOut of 1,474 local authority areas, 998 were covered on 30th November, 1961, by full statutory lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A further 251 areas have incomplete lists.
§ Mr. BoydenHow is it that if the list is reasonably complete, historic buildings can get destroyed? Does not the hon. Gentleman think that there is reason to strengthen the law on this subject?
§ Mr. RipponI do not accept that assertion.