§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement as to the connection of Ministers in his Department with Heveningham hall;
(2) on what dates he or his predecessor met Mr. Abdul Al-Ghazzi; in what circumstances; and what matters were discussed;
(3) when he or his predecessor held discussions on matters relating to Heveningham hall with Mr. Abdul Al-Ghazzi.
§ Sir George Young[holding answer 4 February]: My right hon. Friend, when he was Secretary of State previously, met Mr. Al-Ghazzi towards the end of October 1980 to discuss the terms of the sale of Heveningham hall. With that one exception, no Ministers of the Department of the Environment, past or present, have since then had any dealings with Mr. Al-Ghazzi in their capacity as Ministers, other than by correspondence. At various times officials of the Department and of English Heritage have visited Heveningham hall, and had correspondence and discussions with Mr. Al-Ghazzi's representatives about the progress of the restoration work.