§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about his decision to preserve the Hermitage in Swindon.
§ Mr. BaldryOn 9 October 1992 Thamesdown borough council applied to my right hon. and learned Friend for consent to demolish the Hermitage, an unlisted building in the Swindon old town conservation area. The borough council was advised on 18 January 1993 that my right hon. and learned Friend was minded to refuse consent since he did not consider that, on the evidence available, demolition would either preserve or enhance the conservation area. However, the borough council was offered the opportunity of being heard at a public local inquiry; it has still to respond formally to this offer.