§ 3. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to visit Hampstead garden suburb to discuss the cost of maintaining listed buildings.
§ The Secretary of State for National Heritage (Mr. Peter Brooke)I spent much of my youth visiting Hampstead garden suburb, and look forward to doing so again.
§ Mr. MarshallOn behalf of my constituents, may I say that we look forward to my right hon. Friend visiting the garden suburb, which is England's premier conservation area? He will be aware that within the area there are two 4 Lutyens-designed buildings, St. Jude's church and Hampstead Garden Suburb institute. Does he agree that the state, having listed those buildings which are non-commercial in character, should be willing to help with their upkeep, as they will be of benefit for the future? Should not the national lottery be used for that purpose?
§ Mr. BrookeThe spirit of Ebenezer Howard is clearly safe in the hands of my hon. Friend. As to the churches, English Heritage already funds the restoration of churches to the tune of about £10 million a year and of cathedrals to the tune of £4 million a year, so the churches could make an appropriate application. However, it would also be an appropriate application in the context of the national lottery.