§ Richard Younger-RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on implementation of the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme. [27589]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 24 January 2002]: The new grant scheme to assist repairs and maintenance to listed places of worship was launched by Baroness Blackstone on 4 December 2001. Initial estimates are that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme could be worth up to £30 million per year. There is no cap on the scheme; all listed places of worship that meet the criteria will receive a grant. CSL Group Ltd., our appointed contractors for the scheme, will be making the first grant payments to applicants later this month.