§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with English Heritage concerning the heritage and architectural merits of the Baltic Exchange; and if he will make a statement. [115262]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 17 March 2000]: No such discussions have taken place.
422WNevertheless, I am aware that an application for demolition of the building and redevelopment of the former Baltic Exchange site has been made to the City of London Corporation. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions has issued an Article 14 Direction the effect of which is to prohibit the City Corporation from making a decision, pending consideration by my right hon. Friend as to whether the case should be called in for his own decision and whether an environmental impact assessment should be carried out. English Heritage are my right hon. Friend's advisers on listed building matters and their views will be taken into account at the appropriate stage.
It would not be right for me to comment on merits of the case, since to do so could prejudice my right hon. Friend's decision.