HC Deb 07 February 1996 vol 271 c254W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to her answer of 24 January,Official Report, column 250, if she will consider removing the ecclesiastical exemption from statutory listed building and conservation area controls in respect of the former Roman Catholic cathedral in Middlesbrough. [13005]

Mr. Sproat

[holding answer 1 February 1996]: My right hon. Friend sees no reason to do so. The building is still in ecclesiastical use as a parish church. I understand that discussions are taking place between the Church authorities and English Heritage on a programme of major repairs.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to her answer of 24 January,Official Report, column 250, if she will consider removing the ecclesiastical exemption from statutory listed building and conservation area controls in respect of the Benedictine abbey church at Farnborough, Hampshire. [13006]

Mr. Sproat

[holding answer 1 February 1996]The abbey does not fall within the terms of the ecclesiastical exemption retained by the Roman Catholic Church. Normal statutory listed building and conservation area controls therefore apply to it. I understand that the local planning authority is currently considering an application for listed building consent for works at the abbey.