HC Deb 08 August 1980 vol 990 cc507-9W
Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why his Department's list of buildings of architectural and historic interest is now 30 years out of date.

Mr. Monro

There is no single list for the whole country. The re-survey of individual areas has been in progress since new standards were adopted in 1970 and revised area lists are issued as soon as each re-survey is completed.

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many preservation notices at present placed on old buildings by local councils still have to be confirmed by his Department.

Mr. Monro

About 300 building preservation notices are issued annually by local planning authorities; 57 are at present before the Department for consideration.

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of Warwickshire's unique historic interest and its connection with Great Britain's greatest playwright and poet, he will take special steps to have the buildings of the county already listed or proposed to be listed re-surveyed or examined by his experts.

Mr. Monro

The towns of Stratford-on-Avon, Rugby, Warwick and Kenilworth have already been re-surveyed. I cannot forecast when the remainder of the county will be completed.

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many officials he now has employed on surveying listed buildings and those which might qualify for such listing throughout England and Wales.

Mr. Monro

The equivalent of four full-time inspectors in England; a further inspector is employed on listing in Wales.

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he plans to deal with the list of buildings of architectural and historical interest awaiting listing; and whether he will leave specific rural areas re-surveyed as a contribution to Great Britain's heritage.

Mr. Monro

Re-survey has been a continuous process since 1970. The urban areas have largely been completed and emphasis is now being laid on the rural areas, where I am glad to acknowledge the help we are increasingly receiving from local authorities.

Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he contemplates further to advance section 54 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, in relation to the compilation of lists of buildings of special architectural and historic interest.

Mr. Monro

I shall write to my hon. Friend.