§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what agreement as to the implementation of the tree planting scheme of Dame Sylvia Crowe at Heveningham hall was agreed by the purchaser at the time of the sale in 1981: and what steps the owner has taken to fulfil it.
§ Sir George YoungThe purchaser covenanted to use his best endeavours to commence, carry out and complete the tree planting scheme recommended by Dame Sylvia Crowe in her report of November 1975, or an alternative scheme if agreed in writing by the vendor. The implementation of the scheme has been delayed, partly by the loss of a large number of trees in the storms of the past four years. Suffolk county council is currently formulating a new planting programme with the managing agents, Suffolk Coastal district council and Task Force Trees to reinstate these losses. Dame Sylvia Crowe's scheme is also being re-examined in the light of more recent research.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he took to verify the suitability of I. D. Investment Development AG to be the purchaser of Heveningham hall at the time of its sale in 1981.
§ Sir George YoungThe negotiations for the sale of the hall were conducted with the late Mr. Al Ghazzi and his solicitors. It would not be appropriate to give details of the inquiries which were made at the time as to Mr. Al Ghazzi's suitability. The terms of sale include the acceptance of certain covenants by I. D. Investment Development AG and a deed of covenant by Mr. Al Ghazzi guaranteeing the company's performance.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to return the James Wyatt furniture to Heveningham hall.
§ Sir George YoungThis is a matter which will need to be considered when the restoration work is completed.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to identify the ultimate beneficial owner of I. D. Investment Development AG as the legal owner of Heveningham hall and at the time of its purchase of the hall.
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§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend's concern is to ensure that this outstanding historic building is properly restored and maintained. He does not need further information about the ownership of the hall in order to monitor the progress of the work, which is going well.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what restrictive covenants there are to cover the use by the Al Ghazzi family of Heveningham hall.
§ Sir George YoungThere are no restrictive covenants on the use of Heveningham hall.