§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what sources of advice on the reduction of fire risks in historic buildings are currently available to her; and if she will list the amount paid in charges for such advice for each of the last three years. [11282]
§ Mr. SproatThere are number of sources of advice available to me including: Sir Alan Bailey's report, "Fire Protection Measures for the Royal Palaces", produced in May 1993; and the National Research Co-ordinating Committee for Fire Safety in Historic Buildings, on which most organisations with an interest in fire safety in heritage buildings are represented. Advice has also been sought from Lawrence Webster Forrest/Klimat, International Fire Consultants, Warrington Fire Research, C. S. Todd and Associates and the Building Research Establishment. Over the last three years, the following amounts have been paid in charges for such advice: 1993–94—£52,000; 1994–95—£109,000; 1995–96— £163,000.
In addition, English Heritage operates a technical research programme which can include research into the reduction of fire risks in historic buildings. The results of that research are generally made available to the public either free or at a small price.
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§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what sources of advice on the protection of stone in historic buildings are currently available to her; and if charges are made for such advice. [11281]
§ Mr. SproatEnglish Heritage, in consultation with the Building Research Establishment, operates a technical research programme which can encompass research into the protection of stone in historic buildings. The results of such research are generally made available to the public either through leaflets or through publications. The former tend to be free; the latter tend to be at a small charge. English Heritage also offers guidance on technical issues on request, for which a charge is not levied.