§ Lord LLOYD of HAMPSTEADasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether in view of recent references in the Press they will make a statement of the Department of the Environment's policy regarding the listing of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, and the listed building consent procedure.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)I have seen reports suggesting that listing and the listed building consent procedure are to be dismantled. The Government have no such plans. The Historic Buildings Council for England, my Department's statutory adviser on these matters, recently considered a discussion paper prepared by departmental officials in their secretariat. The Council saw no reason to propose fundamental changes in the existing system of listed building consent at this stage. I am now waiting to receive their further advice on the listing process itself.
House adjourned at four minutes past nine o'clock.