Lord Dunleathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why it is that church buildings of historic significance or architectural merit in Northern Ireland do not qualify for financial assistance for restoration from public funds as do buildings of the same category in Great Britain.
§ Lord EltonThe Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 specifically excludes from financial aid a listed building used for ecclesiastical purposes. In 1977 consideration was given to changing the law but it was decided that, since funds would be more limited and the number of potentially competing claims proportionally larger than in Great Britain, no change should be made.