§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he has received Mr. John Newman's report on the ecclesiastical exemption from listed building and conservation area controls.[17573]
§ Mr. BanksMr. Newman has completed his review of the ecclesiastical exemption and copies of his report have been placed in the Library. His overall conclusion is that the six denominations should continue to enjoy the exemption for the time being. He none the less proposes a number of changes to procedure within each of the denominations and recommends that a further formal review be conducted after a year in the case of the Baptist Union and after three years in the case of the other denominations.
Copies of the report are today being sent to all the exempt denominations and other interested bodies with an invitation to comment on its conclusions. The Government look to each of the denominations to give serious consideration to those recommendations which relate to it. My Department and that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales propose to have discussions with each denomination on the action needed in the light of Mr. Newman's report. The Government propose to accept Mr. Newman's recommendation concerning the need for further reviews.
Written comments submitted to Mr. Newman in the course of his review are open to inspection in the Libraries of my Department and of the Welsh Office.