HC Deb 07 March 1983 vol 38 c556
21. Mr. Chapman

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing- the Church Commissioners, if the Church Commissioners are satisfied with the arrangements for finding alternative uses for churches no longer in use, with particular reference to discouraging the demolition of those of architectural interest.

The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Representing the Church Commissioners (Sir William van Straubenzee)

Each diocese has a committee whose difficult duty it is to make every endeavour to find suitable alternative uses for redundant churches in its area. My hon. Friend will be encouraged to note that, over a 14-year period to the end of 1982, 52 per cent. have been put to new uses, 21 per cent. have been preserved and only 27 per cent. have been demolished. The Church Commissioners believe that this is a creditable record.

Mr. Chapman

I am grateful for that information. Will my hon. Friend comment upon the fact that many churches face demolition only because they fall into a state of disrepair after having become redundant? Would it not be a good idea if the Church Commissioners were to consider setting up a special fund that might attract outside contributions and upon which each diocese could draw, if necessary, the better to preserve our attractive architectural ecclesiastical heritage?

Sir William van Straubenzee

The time involved varies enormously according to whether it is possible to find a use for the building. At one extreme, for example, for the only grade A listed building which it was contemplated would be demolished, seven years were taken to try to find an alternative use. That illustrates the enormous care taken.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a much more serious side to the matter? Is he aware that the House knows that recently a redundant church in the south of England was sold to members of another religion? If that practice were to continue, it would not be received with favour by the House.

Sir William van Straubenzee

It is not the only church that has been sold to members of another religion. The particular point is that this church, which is in Southampton, has been sold to a non-Christian faith for worship. The Church Commissioners gave the matter the most anxious consideration. There was universal local support for the sale to the Sikh community, but the Church Commissioners have made it clear that they will judge every case on its merits.