HC Deb 22 July 1974 vol 877 cc356-7W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to protect Scrabo Tower, Newtownards, County Down, from further deterioration since it passed into the care of the Government; and if he will initiate plans for the renovation of the tower.

Mr. Orme

Steps have been taken to prevent further damage to the tower by vandals. Further consideration will be given to the carrying out of repairs when an estimate of the cost of renovating the tower has been completed.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will consider transferring Scrabo Tower, Newtownards, County Down, and its adjoining land to the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture for development and use as a public park.

Mr. Orme

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Planning which holds Scrabo Tower, with some 80 acres of land, on long lease, intends to develop the area as a country park under the terms of the Amenity Lands Act (NI) 1965.