§ 6. Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage which parties are involved in discussions on the future of Battersea power station; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatThe London borough of Wandsworth and English Heritage are taking part in discussions on the future of Battersea power station with the owners, and with other parties.
§ Mr. CoxI note that reply, but is the Minister aware of the feeling in the London borough of Wandsworth that the destruction of the internal fabric of Battersea power station is an utter scandal, because that power station has been a major feature of the national heritage of this country? In view of the development, which was fully supported by the Conservative Government and the London borough of Wandsworth, by a developer whose ultimate aim was extremely dubious, close attention will be paid to the Minister's reply today as to the involvement that Wandsworth council will now 600 have. Local people have no confidence in anything in which Wandsworth council is involved relating to the Battersea power station project.
§ Mr. SproatThe hon. Member is right to be concerned about what is happening to that listed building. Two of the classic pieces within the power station—the directors' staircase and the control room—are in perfect condition. The building was last examined on the afternoon of Tuesday 6 December and will be examined again before Christmas. Its condition is fine at present, but we shall be keeping a close eye on it because we share the hon. Gentleman's concerns.