§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they expect that any churches and chapels in the possession of the Ministry of Defence will become redundant, and what procedures exist for ensuring the preservation of those that ought to be preserved in the interest of the nation.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Henley)Churches and chapels owned by my department regularly become redundant as a result of the closure of establishments on which they are sited. Not all buildings used as churches or chapels are consecrated, but those which are would need to be deconsecrated prior to disposal. Thereafter the normal procedures for the sale of government property are applied. Where there is sufficient architectural or historic merit, a building may be considered for listed building status, which would give it statutory protection. At present only St George's Church, Chatham is both listed and in the process of disposal.