HC Deb 08 March 1995 vol 256 cc174-5W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he is taking to improve the care of historic Government buildings.

Mr. Dorrell

The Government committed themselves in 1992 to a nine-point plan for the care of historic buildings on their own estate. This provides for regular inspection and maintenance of these buildings and an annual report by my Department's conservation unit on their condition. I am today publishing, for the first time, the conservation unit's report.

I am also issuing today new guidance to Departments on the disposal of surplus historic buildings. This follows from the "Efficiency Scrutiny of the Management of the Government Estate," published last year, which identified the need for guidance on the particular considerations arising in respect of the disposal of historic properties, over and above those applying to disposals generally. The main emphasis of the guidance is that "best price" should not be the overriding concern when considering the disposal of a building. Rather, Departments should aim to obtain the best return for the taxpayer that is consistent with Government policies for the protection of historic buildings and areas.

I am placing copies of both documents in the Library.

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