HL Deb 07 November 1989 vol 512 cc701-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now list the sources of advice on listing matters which the Secretary of State for the Environment consults when he is in doubt about the advice given him by English Heritage and what are the criteria in the light of which advice on listing is accepted or rejected.

Lord Hesketh

Section 54(3) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 states that the Secretary of State shall consult with English Heritage and with such other persons or bodies of persons as appear to him appropriate as having special knowledge of, or interest in, buildings of architectural or historic interest. In the vast majority of cases the Secretary of State does not look beyond English Heritage for advice, but he does take into account views expressed by other organisations and individuals, should they make representations on specific cases.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will now state with the help of English Heritage, what buildings the Secretary of State for the Environment has in the past five years refused to list as being of architectural or historic interest in spite of the recommendation of English Heritage, the body entrusted by Parliament with the evaluation of such buildings.

Lord Hesketh

All cases are considered on their merits, but the final decision rests with the Secretary of State. Neither the department nor English Heritage has kept a record of the number of occasions in the past five years where the Secretary of State has decided not to accept the advice of English Heritage.