HC Deb 09 November 1992 vol 213 cc606-7
2. Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent discussions he has had about the conservation of historic nonconformist chapels.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for National Heritage (Mr. Robert Key)

Several, some with the right hon. Gentleman. I warmly welcome the creation of the Historic Chapels Trust.

Mr. Beith

I welcome the creation of the trust and hope that it will soon be able to save some very special examples of nonconformist architecture. Will the Minister look again at discussions about ecclesiastical exemption in the light of the fact that a fine Georgian Baptist chapel had its Georgian fittings removed and destroyed and the fact that, under the Government's proposals, there is nothing that would help to discourage that sort of thing?

Mr. Key

I think that the right hon. Gentleman is referring to Great Giddings. That was a tragedy, but it helped to inform consideration of the public consultation which took place in February on ecclesiastical exemption. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will, I hope, reach conclusions quite soon.

Mrs. Clwyd

When the Minister next speaks to Mr. Jocelyn Stevens about conservation, will he remind him that although Mr. Stevens may consider it macho to foster his image as an asset stripper and an axe man, that image does not fit in well with being custodian of our national heritage? As English Heritage appears to be reneging on its legal purpose, is the Minister convinced that it can continue to pursue its public functions as an agency of government?

Mr. Key

May I start by welcoming the hon. Lady to the Dispatch Box and congratulating her on her appointment. I know that she is eminently qualified and has many years of experience, not least as a member of the Arts Council of Great Britain. However, I have to be less soft in response to her question, because Mr. Jocelyn Stevens has a distinguished record in the management of the arts. That is beyond doubt. There has been a great deal of misunderstanding about English Heritage's long-term strategy. There is no question of its selling off anything and, of course, there would certainly be no question of its doing any such thing in the case of, for example, Crown property. I very much hope that more rational counsels will prevail in future.