§ 71. Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his policy towards the most recent report of the Historic Buildings Council, and in particular on its observations on churches and other religious buildings in use.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. and and learned Friend is of course considering the report carefully. The report welcomed the discussions now taking place with representatives of the Church of England about churches in use. We are now awaiting the results of studies of the estimated cost of repairs in sample areas and the resources available locally to meet this. When this information is available the Government will consider with an open mind the scale of the problem and its implications for public expenditure.