HC Deb 16 February 1972 vol 831 cc417-8
43. Mr. John E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the house Grey Gables, Thetford, has yet been inspected on behalf of the Historic Buildings Committee, and with what result.

Mr. Graham Page

Yes, Sir, and my right hon. Friend will shortly be considering a recommendation from the Historic Buildings Council.

Mr. Hill

While I welcome the fact that the Historic Buildings Council has examined this property, may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that the evidence at the public inquiry showed that a very substantial grant would be required to render this building habitable and the Minister's decision in reversing his inspector's recommendations against the weight of the evidence at the public inquiry will either involve the Historic Buildings Council in a grant out of all proportion to the scale and quality of the building, or inflict on the owner a very substantial loss?

Mr. Page

My hon. Friend has left me and the House in no doubt that there are differences of opinion on the historic value of Grey Gables but my right hon. Friend will be considering the recommendations and will make an announcement as soon as possible.