HC Deb 12 May 1970 vol 801 cc1051-2
23. Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what was the total central Government expenditure on the maintenance or preservation of historic buildings in Sheffield in 1969–70.

Mr. John Silkin

My Department is not responsible for the preservation of historic buildings in general but as the lessor of a historic building in Sheffield we spent £1,930 on it in 1969–70. No other central Government funds were spent on maintenance or preservation of historic buildings in Sheffield in 1969–70.

Mr. Hooley

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is desirable and neces- nary that some central fund should be made available, especially to industrial cities like Sheffield, where the number of buildings worthy of preservation is limited and may be eliminated by the process of redevelopment?

Mr. Silkin

The listing of historic buildings and the matters arising therefrom are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.