§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to improve the state of Britain's seaside piers, with particular reference to Southport's pier. [1654]
§ Mr. BanksPublic funding for the restoration of historic piers is available from English Heritage (or the equivalent agency in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) and from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. The NHMF has so far provided £3.3 million from Lottery proceeds for projects relating to historic piers. This includes a grant of £34,000 in February this year for a structural survey of Southport pier. I understand that the possibility of European Regional Development Fund support for the restoration of this pier is also under discussion.