§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what proposals he has made to Manchester Corporation concerning the future of Baguley Hall; what consultations he will be having with the Corporation and other interested parties; when he expects to be able to announce a decision to Parliament; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PrenticeI have proposed to the Manchester Corporation that they should 181W transfer Baguley Hall to my Ministry, together with a substantial financial contribution towards the cost of repair and display. The total cost of this is estimated to be £70,000 and the work may take up to 8 years. My Department will find the balance of this from its own Votes and will also meet the whole cost of future upkeep of the building.
I regard this as a generous offer, and I hope the Corporation will accept it; I am still awaiting their reply.
I should like to pay a tribute to the persistent efforts of my hon. Friend to secure the preservation of Baguley Hall, which is a monument of great architectural and historic importance.