HC Deb 20 December 1988 vol 144 cc188-9W
Mr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many applicantions for grants for rescue archaeology were made to English Heritage in 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988; what was the total sum applied for in each of these years; how many grants were approved and at what total cost in each of these years; and how much money in each year was for post-excavation projects;

(2) whether he will make a statement on the English Heritage central excavations unit and its rôle in rescue archaeology;

(3) how many applications were received for grants from county sites and monuments records; what amount these totalled; how many awards were made; and for what total, in the years 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88;

(4) how many applications were received in the year 1986–87 by English Heritage for grants for the repair of individually outstanding secular buildings; how many grants were offered; what was the total of such grants; and if he will provide equivalent figures for 1987–88;

(5) how many prosecutions have been taken by English Heritage against landowners for carrying out work on schedule sites without consent; and what have been the results of such prosecutions.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

This is a matter for English Heritage.

Mr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the role of English Heritage in conserving field monuments, and on the employment of field monument wardens; how many there are; and if there are plans to increase their numbers and use.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

English Heritage has a general duty, among other things, to secure the preservation of ancient monuments and historic buildings in England. It is my right hon. Friend's statutory adviser on scheduling of ancient monuments and on applications for scheduled monument consent. It also has powers to provide financial assistance to owners for the preservation of field and other monuments (whether scheduled or not). I have sent the hon. Member a copy of English Heritage's latest annual report and I am sure the chairman would be happy to provide further information on their activities.