Churches: Bomb Damage, 24th April (Hansard, 10 May 1993)

Viscount Astor
My Lords, English Heritage is providing direct practical assistance in assessing the damage and advising on possible options for the treatment of the buildings concerned. The Government made special arrangements with the insurance industry last year to ensure the continued availability of insurance cover against terrorist damage.

§ Lord Harris of Greenwich
My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for that reply. Does he agree that a difficult situation has arisen as a result of the serious damage done to St Ethelburga's and to two other City churches? Will he recognise that as the Government are now involving themselves in the problem of terrorism insurance, the Church authorities are finding it extremely difficult with many churches to pay the additional insurance cover? Will his right honourable friend consider getting his officials to discuss the problem with officials of the City corporation and the Churches?

Viscount Astor
My Lords, on behalf of my department, I am sure that we would be happy to have discussions with the City corporation and the Church authorities, if they so wish. It is, of course, for the Church authorities to consider the various options in the first instance and to put forward proposals. I am sure that the Church authorities will consider all possibilities with regard to the churches.

§ Lord Donoughue
My Lords, will the Minister confirm that the future of St Ethelburga's is subject to the conclusions of the inquiry of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Templeman, into the future of City churches set up by the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of London? However, subject to those findings, will the Minister agree that if the church is not used as a working church and if it has no viable congregation, many people would like to see it restored as a shrine symbolising our refusal to submit to the IRA barbarians? In that case, will the Government commit themselves to contributing to any appeal?

Viscount Astor
My Lords, I believe that the inquiry by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Templeman, has not yet produced any result. Of course, it will be a matter for the Church authorities. There are many different views on what should happen to the site and I point out to your Lordships the letters in The Times on Saturday. One from the Chairman of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings suggested that: This society believes that the most positive outcome of the tragedy would be to develop the site as an open space for City workers". The reverend F.H. Stevens suggested that: New churches need to be built in dockland areas and other areas. Obviously people have many different views on what should happen to the site and the church. It will be up to the Church authorities to decide.

§ Lord Elton
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that if he is looking for a shrine for this admirable purpose, there are 37 other working churches in the 971 City, which is only one square mile in extent? To restore St Ethelburga's to its original condition would be to perpetrate an architectural and archaeological fraud, costing a great deal of money. Given that the site of the church is extremely valuable, should not that money be realised and applied to the poor, who were closest to the heart of the Saviour for whom the church was built?

Viscount Astor
My Lords, my noble friend makes an interesting point, which all adds to the debate. Of course, churches in use are covered by ecclesiastic exemption from normal listed building controls. However, it appears that because St Ethelburga's has been closed for worship, it could be subject to listed building controls. In normal circumstances where a building is subject to those controls, and where more than 50 per cent. of its structure or architectural or historic interest is lost through damage outside the owner's control, the Government's view is that it would not be reasonable to require full reinstatement.

§ The Lord Bishop of Guildford
My Lords, is the Minister aware that the Church of England is grateful for the varied suggestions that have been made? The right reverend Prelate the Bishop of London will take them all into account. Were he able by the conventions of the House to do so, he would express that view. Will the Minister convey our gratitude to noble Lords for their considerate and imaginative response to the Question?

Viscount Astor
My Lords, I certainly shall. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate for the right reverend Prelate to be standing today where I am, answering the Question.