HL Deb 12 December 1960 vol 227 cc364-6WA
LORD BOSSOM

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is a commensurate gain when buildings of traditional historic or architectural importance are permitted to be destroyed, and, if not, whether Her Majesty's Government will keep a more rigid guard against such unfortunate vandalism.

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL WALDEGRAVE)

Under Section 30 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, my right honourable friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has the duty of compiling lists of buildings of special historic or architectural interest. Any proposal to demolish a building on this list has to be notified to my right honourable friend and to the local planning authority, and either he or the authority can make a building preservation order. A decision not to make an order is taken only where the Minister or the local planning authority, as the case may be, is satisfied that there are positive reasons for permitting demolition which outweigh the historic or architectural importance of the particular building.

House adjourned at twenty-three minutes before eight o'clock.