§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will seek powers to enable her to intervene to protect the internal fabric of churches whose construction and decor is of architectural or historical importance. [10905]
§ Mr. SproatSince 1 October 1994, ecclesiastical exemption from statutory listed building and conservation area controls has been confined to specified denominations which have satisfactory internal procedures to protect listed churches and unlisted churches in conservation areas. The Government are monitoring the operation of the procedures and have undertaken to review the position formally after two years. In the meantime, my right hon. Friend retains power to remove the exemption in any in individual case and will consider doing so wherever necessary.