§ Baroness Jegerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decision has now been reached on the future of Heveningham Hall in Suffolk to preserve and restore the buildings and gardens, and to ensure public access.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Belstead)I am very pleased to report that the owner of Heveningham Hall, Mr. Abdul Al-Ghazzi, has arranged, now that basic remedial works have been completed, to open the house to the public for the whole of August. We are advised by English Heritage, who have inspected the Hall on our behalf, that the property now appears to be free of dry rot and insect infestation, that there is no risk in the short term of further structural deterioration and that the damaged part of the building is in a stable condition for the time being. The new central heating system appears to be adequate although it will be necessary to monitor the environmental conditions before the furniture can be returned to the property.