HL Deb 16 July 1992 vol 539 cc316-7

11.12 a.m.

Lord Greenway asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take action to preserve thoroughfares of special tourist interest in London.

Viscount Astor

My Lords, we have in this country an excellent system for ensuring the conservation of buildings, including development planning controls for their erection or modification. These take into account the impact of developments on the surrounding environment and help to ensure the conservation and preservation of our built heritage. This is of benefit to both visitors and local residents.

Lord Greenway

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Are the Government aware that certain areas of special charm and interest in London are in danger of disappearing? For instance, there is the area of Cecil Court and St. Martins Court between Charing Cross Road and St. Martins Lane which is well known for its specialist book and ephemera shops and where owners are in grave danger of being forced out by ever-increasing rent rises. Can the Minister say whether there is any way that action can be taken now before it is too late to prevent central London being deprived of these areas of special interest to both tourists and locals alike, presumably to be replaced by yet more litter-producing fast-food outlets and tat shops?

Viscount Astor

My Lords, rent increases are a matter for negotiation between the landlord and tenant in accordance with the terms of the lease. It is not for the Government to intervene. However, I am not aware in the area that the noble Lord mentioned of any rents being demanded which are exorbitant. Of course the change of use from a retail shop to something else requires planning permission.

Lord Morris of Castle Morris

My Lords, is it not a fact that Cecil Court is already in a conservation area? Is it not also true that use class orders prevent a change of use between different shops without planning permission from the local authority? Does the Minister agree with me that the best service that bibliophiles like him and me can render to Cecil Court would be to get up there this afternoon to purchase some of the excellent books which are to be had at most advantageous prices?

Viscount Astor

My Lords, I certainly agree with the last point made by the noble Lord. Local authorities have powers to designate conservation areas and Cecil Court and St. Martins Court are within such an area. The local authority is required to formulate proposals for preserving and enhancing a conservation area. Use class orders prevent certain types of shop use being changed without planning permission; for example, a book shop could not become a building society or an antique shop a fish-and-chip shop without planning permission.

Baroness Gardner of Parkes

My Lords, will the Minister confirm that he is aware of the importance of tourism to London which is mentioned in the Question and of the great income which it creates, besides the importance of retaining all our traditional things which are so valued by people overseas?

Viscount Astor

My Lords, I certainly am aware of that. Tourism represents at least £25 billion to this country's gross domestic product. It also employs 1.4 million people. I would draw your Lordships' attention to a letter in The Times today from the Chairman of the British Tourist Authority in which he says: Official figures for the first four months of this year show that overseas visitors are, once again, arriving in record numbers. In April alone,1.5 million overseas visitors spent an estimated £570 million".

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