§ Mrs. Lena Jegerasked the hon. and learned Member for Brigg, as Second Church Estates Commissioner, why the demolition of St. James Church, Hampstead Road, has been delayed, in view of the dangerous condition of the structure, which adjoins a busy hospital.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuThis church vests in the diocesan board of finance of the diocese of London under a scheme made by the Church Commissioners in 1954 pursuant to the Reorganisation Areas Measures, 1944.
The existing scheme provides for the demolition of the church subject to the removal of its western facade and cupola for incorporation in a new church but the diocesan authorities, despite continued effort, have found it impossible 204W to fulfil the condition and have in consequence requested the Commissioners to prepare a supplementary scheme to remove the requirement.
In preparing the supplementary scheme the Commissioners have again had to carry out statutory consultations. They have ascertained the views of the Central Council for the Care of Churches and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and await those of the Ministry of Public Building and Works which they understand will be received shortly.