§ Mr. Beithasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, what procedures will be followed in the sale of woodland at Hartburn, Northumberland, arising from the disposal of the former vicarage; and whether these procedures will ensure that potential buyers interested in maintaining public access to the woodlands and the grotto, which is a listed building, have an opportunity to tender for the purchase of the land.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThis property does not belong to the Church Commissioners, but is glebe land owned by the Newcastle diocesan board of finance. The procedures for sale are laid down by the Endowments and Glebe Measure 1976.
Acting under these procedures the board gave notice to the churchwardens of the parish (the benefice being vacant) of its intention to sell the land. No representations were made.
166WI understand that the question of public access has very recently been raised with the board. The board has not yet had an opportunity to consider the matter but will do so before proceeding further.