§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if it is Church Commissioners' policy to publish the advice given to them by the Advisory Board for Redundant Churches where the Commission considers demolition.
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§ Sir William van StraubenzeeIn any case where the Church Commissioners are minded, contrary to the advice of the advisory board, to consent to the demolition of a listed redundant church or an unlisted redundant church in a conservation area, the Commissioners first give the Secretary of State for the Environment an opportunity to hold a non-statutory local inquiry into the proposal. such an inquiry ensures publication not only of the advisory board's advice but also of all other representations and allows a public hearing of all the relevant factors prior to the Commissioners taking a final decision.
§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church Commission will handle any future public inquiry on the demolition of a church differently from the one conducted on Holy Trinity, Rugby; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeAs in the case of Holy Trinity, Rugby, a non-statutory public inquiry into the proposed demolition of a listed redundant church is held by the Secretary of State for the Environment in certain circumstances, and the handling of such inquiries is a matter for him.