HC Deb 05 December 1991 vol 200 cc182-4W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what public financial assistance has been made available to date, for the restoration of Hanover square in Bradford; to whom assistance has been paid; and what assistance remains outstanding.

Mr. Yeo

In each of the three financial years 1983–84 to 1985–86 £28,000 was provided from Urban Programme funds for management of the project. In 1988–89 the Department provided the city of Bradford metropolitan council through the urban programme with a contribution of £9,000 towards the purchase and conversion of two of the Hanover Square properties for non-housing purposes. In 1989–90, £80,000, was provided towards the costs of a feasibility study for phase 1 of the restoration scheme; in 1990–91 a further £70,000 was provided for phase 2. In 1991–92 £120,000 was provided for environmental improvements to the square itself. English Heritage has provided grants of £365,000, including £2,000 for a feasibility study, to the British Historic Buildings Trust and £51,000 to various developers and private individuals. No grant offers remain to be paid.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much public financial assistance has been paid, in each of the last three years, to the British Historic Buildings Trust; and how much public financial assistance has been paid to the trust, to the latest available date, related to the restoration of Hanover square in Bradford.

Mr. Yeo

Total English Heritage Grants paid to the British Historic Buildings Trust over the past three financial years are:

£
1989–90 41,356
1990–91 346,529
1991–92 302,394
of which, for Hanover square:
1989–90 0
1990–91 218,000
1991–92 147,000

Of the total of £365,000, £363,000 was for restoration works and £2,000 for a feasibility study.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will arrange for an independent valuation of properties for sale in Hanover square, Bradford, which have received public financial assistance for renovation, including those being offered to former owners; and if he will arrange for an independent audit of the expenditure incurred, to date, on the restoration of houses in Hanover square.

Mr. Yeo

It would not be appropriate for my Department to intervene in the valuation of the properties being offered for sale in Hanover square, Bradford. It is open to the prospective purchasers to arrange for an independent valuation of the property they seek to purchase. Indeed, it is advice regularly given to prospective purchasers. Those public bodies that have provided financial support for the restoration of properties in Hanover square are subject to regular audit as is the charitable British Historic Buildings Trust. It is for these bodies to ensure that good value for money is achieved for the funds expended.