§ Lord MONTAGU of BEAULIEUMy 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 take steps to reduce the long delays that, despite their Circular Roads 39/75, owners of historic properties experience in obtaining permission from highway authorities for the approved directional signs, thus avoiding the present inconvenience to visitors, particularly from overseas.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, DEPART-MENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport is aware that there have been some difficulties over signing historic houses. He proposes to ask all local highway authorities to consider applications for these traffic signs as quickly as practicable, and to recover from the owner any costs arising from the provision of signs.
§ Lord MONTAGU of BEAULIEUMy Lords, in thanking the noble Baroness for that Answer I ought perhaps to declare my interest as President of the Historic Houses Association. May I ask whether the noble Baroness is aware that a recent survey disclosed that over 30 per cent. of the Association's members had experienced difficulties and delays? Some had applied at the beginning of this season and not got their permission until the season was over. I should be most grateful to know whether something can be done to look into this.
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, I believe that noble Lords are aware that a circular is being sent out by the Department. We hope that it will be out early next year. This follows discussions between the Historic Houses Association and the Department, and everything possible is being done to hasten this because we are very well aware—and the noble Lord, Lord Montagu, knows that I am particularly concerned—that we must do nothing to discourage the tourist trade, both of visitors from abroad and from this country.
§ Lord GARDINERMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that, as well as historic houses, there are public bodies that are in the same position? In particular, the area covered by the Milton Keynes New Town is very extensive and, after six years, the Open University has not been able to obtain permission to have any sign erected after the turning off the MI. The university is some miles away. Can the noble Baroness assist it in any way on this point?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, I shall certainly bring that matter to the notice of my right honourable friend.