§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Chope) has received a copy of the document sent to him by Mr. John Nickols entitled "Stocken Hall RIP", regarding the condition of a grade 2 listed building recently sold by the Property Services Agency to Endersby Developments Ltd; and whether he will order an immediate inquiry into the allegations contained in that document.
§ Mr. Waldegrave[pursuant to the reply, 28 November 1986, c. 375]: I have seen a copy of the document written by Mr. Nickols about Stocken Hall. I understand that Endersby Developments Ltd. is in discussion with both the local planning authority and the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission about the repair and restoration of this property.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will explain the reasons whereby the Property Services Agency did not require as a condition, of the contract of sale of Stocken Hall to Endersby Developments Ltd. the renovation of the building, in accordance with the original specification contained in the offer for sale document published by Messrs. Cluttons, on behalf of the Home Office; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chope[pursuant to his reply, 28 November 1986, c. 375]: In order to make clear to prospective purchasers that Stocken Hall should be preserved and not demolished, the contract for sale contained a condition that the building should be renovated. That condition is, however, unenforceable.