§ Mr. CongdonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made for independent expert advice to be given to the Ministry of Defence on the care of historic buildings which it owns or occupies.
§ Mr. HanleyThe Ministry of Defence takes seriously the Government's commitment to aim for the highest standards of conservation for its historic buildings. To assist in achieving that aim, my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence has appointed a historic buildings advisory group.
The terms of reference of the group are that—
It will assist my Department to manage the historic buildings on its estate by providing a source of informed advice on the care and maintenance of buildings, adaptation for new uses and disposal.It will offer expert advice on idividual buildings or groups of buildings, and their setting, and on any associated archaeological aspects as appropriate. Members of the group will provide a link to outside experts and specialists as necessary.It will provide advice on the development of my Department's general policy and strategy with a view to establishing priorities in allocating limited resources, and to devising disposal strategies for large or difficult sites. It will thus contribute to the effective management within the available resources of the Department's historic estate, in line with the Government's aim to achieve the highest standards of conservation.My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will chair this group whenever possible; otherwise the vice-chairman, Sir William Whitfield, CBE, will lead. Other outside members of the group are
- Mr. Alan Baxter
- Mr. Stuart Lipton
- Mr. Ian McIvor
- Mr. Les Sparks
In addition, Mr. John Ledlie, a deputy under-secretary in my Department, is a member of the group.