HC Deb 12 May 2003 vol 405 cc27-8W
Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the average cost was of erecting a blue commemorative plaque in the last 12 months. [111631]

Dr. Howells

The average cost to English Heritage of erecting a commemorative plaque in England under its Blue Plaque Scheme in the last 12 months was £1,107 (excluding the cost of research and administration by English Heritage staff).

Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many blue commemorative plaques were erected in each of the last five years; and, for each year, what the cost was to public funds. [111632]

Dr. Howells

The number and cost of the commemorative plaques erected in England by English Heritage under its Blue Plaque Scheme in the last five years is as follows:

Year Number of plaques Cost (£)
1998–9 17 61,000
1999–2000 18 74,000
2000–1 27 84,000
2001–2 18 86,000
2002–3 22 92,000

Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who(a) sets the criteria of selection and (b) is responsible for the erection of blue commemorative plaques. [111633]

Dr. Howells

English Heritage sets the selection criteria and is responsible for the erection of blue commemorative plaques in England under its National Blue Plaque Scheme, which so far has operated in Greater London, Merseyside, Birmingham, Portsmouth and Southampton, and is to be extended further. A number of local authorities and civic societies around the country operate separate schemes of their own.

Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the policy and criteria are for the erection of blue plaques to commemorate distinguished citizens in their native localities. [111637]

Dr. Howells

English Heritage inherited the Blue Plaque Scheme in Greater London from the former Greater London Council in 1986, and made it a National Blue Plaque Scheme for England in 1998. English Heritage has so far worked in partnership with local authorities in Merseyside, Birmingham, Portsmouth and Southampton, where it complements existing local initiatives. The selection criteria are published on English Heritages website www.english-heritage.org.uk and I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.