§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the halt on new grant offers to help parishes maintain their churches will be lifted; what funds remain uncommitted in respect of the first quinquennium ending in 1983; and if he will make a statement on his present negotiations with the General Synod and the future of the scheme after 1983.
§ Mr. MonroMy right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement quite soon about the negotiations with the church authorities and the future of grants for ecclesiastical buildings in use. A total of £5.2 million at current prices is committed by offers already made. New grant offers have not been halted. At least £3.2 million should be available for further offers during the currency of the present trial period, but because of the popularity of the scheme it will continue to be necessary to restrict most offers to emergency applications, or those of very high priority.