Listed Buildings (Hansard, 31 January 1995)

§ Sir Hector Monro

The subjects of the questions relate to matters undertaken by Historic Scotland. I have asked its director and chief executive, Mr. Graeme Munro, to write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Graeme N. Munro to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 31 January 1995: You have tabled two Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Scotland for Written Answer on 31 January. As these Questions relate to operational matters undertaken by Historic Scotland, I have been asked to provide the information you are seeking. The terms of this letter will be reproduced in the Official Report and a copy of it will also be deposited in the Library of the House. I shall answer each Question in the order in which it appears on the Order Paper. Question: What is the number of buildings currently listed in category A and in category B. As at 25 January 1995, the number of buildings listed at category A was 2,987 and the number of buildings listed at category B was 25,093. Question: How many applications have been received from the owners of listed buildings for financial assistance towards the cost of repairs and maintenance in each of the last five financial years; and what has been the total value of the grants awarded. The total number of historic building repair grant applications received from owners of listed buildings and buildings situated within outstanding conservation areas over the past five financial years is as follows:

1989–90 116
1990–91 103
1991–92 62
1992–93 54
1993–94 97
Total 432

The total value of historic building repair grants awarded for the last five complete financial years is as follows:

1989–90 £8,848,360
1990–91 £11,371,775
1991–92 £12,317,845
1992–93 £9,836,580
1993–94 £14,644,413
Total £57,018,973

The relationship between the figures in the above tables warrants some further explanation. The award of a grant can take place in the same financial year in which the application was received, but that is unusual given the importance of a careful evaluation by the owner, his professional adviser and Historic Scotland of the building and its needs so that a comprehensive specification for repairs can be agreed. What is more, the amount of grant awarded for what are usually significant capital projects normally is paid over two or more 660W financial years and payments do not flow until recognised phases of the work have been completed. The actual grant payments in each of the last five complete financial years were:

1989–90 £8,358,655
1990–91 £8,954,716
1991–92 £9,219,458
1992–93 £10,291,158
1993–94 £11,140,000
Total £47,963,987

I hope this information is helpful.