§ 23. Mr. Jesselasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, what information the Commissioners now have concerning the current position and the future prospects for the building of the redundant church of St. Alban's, Teddington.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe London diocese has reported to the Commissioners that it has been unable to find a suitable alternative use for the redundant building. The alternative courses for consideration under the relevant statute are demolition of the building or preservation by the redundant churches fund.
§ Mr. JesselIs there any prospect of the redundant churches fund finding the necessary money, as it would now cost more than £300,000 to make St. Alban's safe and sound? The expert advice was that the only viable way to produce such a fund would be through an office block, which was not wanted by those living nearby and, in any case, had been prevented by local authority decisions. Do the Commissioners accept that, in the end, demolition is the only likely course?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI must be careful not to prejudge the issue in any way. The Commissioners must study the matter and take advice from their statutory advisers. There are two possible courses of action, and I cannot for one moment forecast which will be chosen.