HC Deb 19 November 1963 vol 684 cc74-5W
51. Wing Commander Bullus

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works how much money he intends to contribute to assist in the preservation of churches of architectural or historical interest now redundant in this country; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rippon

The question of the preservation of redundant churches of architectural or historic interest is at present the subject of discussions with the various Church authorities. These discussions are on the basis of certain provisional proposals, which have been made without commitment on either side. I am circulating certain details in the Official Report. As far as the Church of England is concerned, the proposals, which would involve legislation, include one that I should make contributions within a total of £200,000 over a five year period, provided that the Church of England contributes at least that amount within the same period. I am now awaiting the views of the Church of England authorities on this proposal.

The following are the details:

The Church of England authorities were informed on 6th November, 1962, that although the Government found themselves unable to accept any commitment in the matter at the present time they were, subject to this reservation, prepared to continue discussions with the Church authorities on the following basis:

  1. (i) The likely acceptance of the general procedure, advocated by the Archbishops'Commission on Redundant Churches, for preserving redundant churches of sufficient historic or architectural merit through the medium of a Redundant Churches Fund.
  2. (ii) That a few redundant churches of exceptional quality might be taken into guardianship by the Minister of Public 75 Building and Works on the understanding that guardianship would be revoked should any such church subsequently be again required for public worship.
  3. (iii) That facilities would be provided for Church and Government legislative measures necessary to implement whatever might be finally agreed between the Government and the Church authorities.
  4. (iv) That any financial assistance from public funds which might be provided would take the form of annual grants made by the Minister of Public Building and Works to the Fund, within a total, for the first five years, of £200,000 and subject tothe condition that the Church authorities would provide at least that amount within the same period and on the understanding that the maximum additional assistance would be sought by the Church authorities from other sources.
It was suggested that the aim should be to work out a scheme on the above lines on the basis of which the Government could take a decision.