§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken in respect of the proposed break-up and disposal of the contents of Thoresby hall, Nottinghamshire; what discussions he has had with English Heritage and British Coal about the future of the hall; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyDisposal of the contents of any listed building is a private matter for their owners. I have ensured that British Coal and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy are aware of the representations made by English Heritage and others about the future of the hall. Any applications for listed building consent for works to alter or demolish this grade 1 listed building would need to be referred to my Department.