§ 19. Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many repairs notices for listed buildings have been served by him under Section 115 545 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 since 1st March 1974.
§ Mr. John SilkinNone, Sir. These notices are normally served by local authorities.
§ Mr. AitkenIs the Minister aware that that is a most disappointing reply? Is he further aware that the local authorities themselves, on whom he appears to be putting the onus for issuing repairs notices, are in many instances the culprits, in that they are neglecting valuable, historic, listed buildings in their own ownership? Will the right hon. Gentleman please set a salutary example to those authorities by issuing notices under his own powers?
§ Mr. SilkinI am interested in what the hon. Gentleman said. I wonder whether he has any examples in his own constituency or county. I shall be grateful to receive any information he may have on the subject.