§ Baroness Hamweeasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they propose to put into full repair Teddington Hall, a Grade II listed building in their ownership, and how they justify its present condition.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Earl Ferrers)Teddington Hall and its adjacent land and building originally formed part of the National Physical Laboratory operational estate. It became surplus to requirements sonic years ago and, to accord with government disposal rules, the Department80WA of the Environment/Property Holdings first sought and obtained planning and listed building consents following a lengthy period of negotiation. These permissions would oblige a purchaser to repair the hall before commencing redevelopment of the adjoining land.
However, proposed marketing has been delayed pending the finalisation of plans being prepared by the Department of Trade and Industry for the rationalisation and development of laboratories on the adjacent site. Premature disposal of the hall could place these proposals in jeopardy.
The hall building is fully protected and carefully monitored to prevent further deterioration, but it is felt that full repair should rest with a purchaser after determination of its future use within a larger and more comprehensive redevelopment scheme.
The Government arc aware of the need for the hall building to he restored as soon as practicable and the Department of Trade and Industry hope to discuss the future of the hall with Richmond Borough Council shortly.