HL Deb 17 June 1975 vol 361 cc763-4

2.40 p.m.

Lord AMULREE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will contribute to the cost of restoring the windmill on Wimbledon Common.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)

My Lords, my right honourable friend has considered two applications for grant under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 and each time was obliged to refuse, as the windmill had lost most of its machinery, and was not of outstanding historic or architectural interest and therefore ineligible for grant.

Lord AMULREE

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Baroness for that not very satisfactory reply. Would it be possible for Her Majesty's Government to give some token contribution which might tempt the people of Wimbledon to put their hands in their pockets and restore the mill themselves?

Baroness BIRK

My Lords, I should very much like to be able to say, "Yes" to the noble Lord, but I am afraid that the answer must be, "No", because the Historic Buildings Council has limited funds, and has to deal with buildings which have a higher priority. I hope that what the noble Lord said will be noted, and that those to whom it refers will take cognisance and donate some money.

Lord WYNNE-JONES

My Lords, would my noble friend agree that it is important to provide the Opposition with something to tilt at?

Baroness BIRK

Yes, my Lords; I wish I had thought of that!

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, would the noble Baroness agree that the windmill is worth preserving as a Wimbledon landmark?

Baroness BIRK

Yes, my Lords, it is. It is a landmark in Wimbledon. But the point at issue is whether the Government can give funds to retain it, and on the criteria I have spelled out it is impossible for the Government to make a grant. We hope that, as the noble Lord mentioned, the local people will themselves do so.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

My Lords, will the Government consider approaching the Wombles for a contribution in this matter?