§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has had with the Chairman of English Heritage about his organisation's role in the regeneration of small towns; and if she will make a statement. [25405]
§ Dr. HowellsMinisters have regular discussion with the Chairman of English Heritage about the work of his organisation. The Government's recent statement "The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future" confirmed regeneration activity as an important part of English Heritage's remit, particularly through its Conservation Area Partnerships and Heritage Economic Regeneration Schemes. Some 60 per cent. of the £35 million offered by English Heritage each year for conservation work is 1051W targeted at regeneration schemes, and many of these are in smaller towns. Of the 188 HERS schemes currently running, around 50 per cent. are in smaller towns.