§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister with reference to the EC decision in respect of a derogation 165W under state aid rules of the English Heritage regeneration scheme, if he will make a statement in respect of the Burslem Townscape Heritage Scheme; and when he expects to clear the decision on the (a) Historic Environment Regeneration (NN985/2002), dated 14 May 2003; and (b) National Heritage Memorial Fund, dated 28 May 2003. [118763]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the importance of the Burslem Townscape Heritage Scheme to the regeneration of Stoke. Officials from the Government Office for the West Midlands have been in regular contact with Stoke city council with regard to this scheme. As my hon. Friend notes, the Commission has now approved the provision of additional heritage-related costs under the National Heritage Memorial Fund Scheme and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Historic Environment Regeneration Scheme. A decision is expected shortly on the English Heritage, Historic Buildings, Monuments, Parks and Gardens Scheme.
Officials will be happy to meet with those involved in the Burslem Townscape Heritage Scheme to discuss taking forward the project.