§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will request Cadw to evaluate the heritage value of the Penallta pithead baths and other colliery buildings.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe inspectorate of historic buildings has visited those of British Coal's working, deep mines in South Wales where buildings of possible interest have been identified. My right hon. Friend will be considering whether statutory protection should be extended to any structure in the light of their advice, and consultations with local authorities and British Coal. I shall write to the hon. Gentleman when a decision is made and place a copy in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to place interim protection orders on historic colliery buildings to prevent their demolition before Cadw has completed an evaluation of their heritage value.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on my right hon. Friend to list buildings of special architectural or historic interest. The Act requires that certain consultations are undertaken before my right hon. Friend decides to list a structure. The same legislation enables a local planning authority to serve a building preservation notice, which lasts six months, where it appears that a structure of special interest is in danger of demolition.