HC Deb 01 May 1972 vol 836 cc11-2W
38. Mr. Faulds

asked the hon. Member for Chelsea, as Second Church Estates Commissioner, whether the Church Commissioners will grant the lease of the redundant Holy Trinity Church, Southwark, to the London Symphony and London Philharmonic Orchestras for a permanent rehearsal and recording centre, and will reject the property developer's application, in view both of the national and international standing and contribu- tion of these two orchestras and of the unsatisfactory nature of the available rehearsal facilities.

Mr. Worsley:

No. It would not be for the Church Commissioners to grant a lease of this church, which is the property of the diocese of Southwark. The Commissioners are acting in a quasi-judicial capacity under the Pastoral Measures, 1968, and will consider the representations made about a draft scheme for residential use. Representations have been made on behalf of the two orchestras concerned.