§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what duty is imposed upon English Heritage to survey and, or inspect refurbishment, rewiring and other works on grade 1 listed buildings; and what rights of access exist for English Heritage to fulfil duties in this regard.
§ Mr. BrookeEnglish Heritage has a duty under section 33 of the National Heritage Act 1983, so far as practicable, to secure the preservation of historic buildings situated in England. In appropriate cases, inspections could fall within the scope of this duty.
Under section 88 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, any persons authorised in writing by the Secretary of State for National Heritage, the Secretary of State for the Environment or a local planning authority may enter on land for various specified purposes including ascertaining whether any listed building is being maintained in a proper state of repair; officers of English Heritage could be authorised under this provision. In addition, English Heritage itself has power to authorise such entry in London.