§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what are the current planning instructions issued to local authorities in respect of blue plaque schemes denoting historical places of interest; and if he will make a statement; [20708]
(2) what representations he has received in respect of the blue plaque placed by Calderdale district council on the Old Bridge inn at Ripponden, West Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement. [20713]
§ Mr. DorrellI have not received any representations about the plaque on the Old Bridge inn. No instructions have been issued to local authorities by my Department in respect of plaques which they or others choose to affix to buildings to mark their historical interest. Apart from the blue plaque scheme for London, which is administered by English Heritage, it is the responsibility of those who wish to place commemorative plaques on buildings to ensure their historical accuracy and to obtain any necessary listed building consents.