§ 39. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Commission is taking to allocate sufficient funding for the maintenance of the fabric of English cathedrals.[81534]
§ Second Church Estates Commissioner (Mr. Stuart Bell)The Commissioners will continue to liaise closely with the Association of English Cathedrals, the body responsible for negotiations on public funding, and the Church Heritage Forum, which is now working towards a policy statement to inform development of a strategy on the future funding of church buildings.
§ Michael FabricantThe hon. Gentleman mentioned the Association of English Cathedrals. Is he aware that there are two groups in that association—the wealthier cathedrals, and the respected older cathedrals such as Lichfield which may not have quite as much money. What consideration has he given to creating a sub-grouping in the association so that smaller cathedrals like Lichfield can seek additional funds, whereas cathedrals like Westminster abbey, which are well funded, may not need money so urgently?
§ Mr. BellI know that the hon. Gentleman has a strong interest in the subject—he has written to me and I wrote back on 15 November. On structures and groupings, he will be aware that each cathedral is responsible for assessing its fabric repair costs to help it meet the requirements of the Cathedrals Measure 1999 and the Care of Cathedrals Measure 1990. On the groupings to which he referred, I am happy to give any assistance I can to make it easier for cathedrals such as Lichfield to get a little extra grant.