Churches (Hansard, 27 February 1985)

§ Mr. William Ross
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those churches which were examined and did not meet the criteria used to decide which churches should be listed as historic churches; and if he will indicate to which denomination they belonged.

§ Mr. Chris Patten
The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

§ Mr. William Ross
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will indicate the criteria used to decide which churches should be listed churches in Northern Ireland at (a) A. (b) B+ and (c) B.

§ Mr. Chris Patten
The Department of the Environment's architects survey buildings of special architectural or historic interest and only after consultation with the Historic Buildings Council does the Department decide which buildings are to be listed and placed in one of the following summarised categories: 185W

Category A — These are buildings of national importance or fine, little altered examples of some particular date or style. Buildings placed in this category are of such importance that their preservation is a matter of top priority.

Category B+ — These are buildings which are regarded as outstanding in a local context. Although they are of specific interest they do not warrant inclusion in the top category. Approximately 10 per cent. of "B" buildings would fall into this particular category.

Category B — These are buildings of local importance or good examples of some period or style which may have been somewhat altered or are of lesser interest. To be graded category "B" does not mean that the building is of necessity a large one or a very famous one.

Category A	—	These are buildings of national importance or fine, little altered examples of some particular date or style. Buildings placed in this category are of such importance that their preservation is a matter of top priority.
Category B+	—	These are buildings which are regarded as outstanding in a local context. Although they are of specific interest they do not warrant inclusion in the top category. Approximately 10 per cent. of "B" buildings would fall into this particular category.
Category B	—	These are buildings of local importance or good examples of some period or style which may have been somewhat altered or are of lesser interest. To be graded category "B" does not mean that the building is of necessity a large one or a very famous one.