§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when and how the £1 million at 1973 prices promised for the upkeep and repair of churches, still in use for worship, will be made available; and if he will make a statement on future arrangements for financing the maintenance of historic churches, both redundant and still in use.
§ Mr. Shore:I have already made available £250,000 to deal with a limited number of applications for grants towards the cost of repairs to churches and other buildings in eccesiastical use in England where repairs are urgent and can be completed within the current financial year. A further £750,000 will be made available in 1978–79 and approximately £2 million in 1979–80. The arrangements agreed with the denominations were published in an annexe to a statement on 11th December 1976 of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.