§ Sir Gilbert Longdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action has resulted from the special studies which were commissioned to consider the conservation and preservation of the historic cities of Bath, Chester, Chichester and York and from the Preservation Policy Group which was set up to co-ordinate those studies and consider the results; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RipponConsideration of the special studies by the Preservation Policy Group resulted in a number of recommendations designed to facilitate the conservation of our historic towns and areas. Many of these recommendations have already been put into effect, the most important being the introduction last Session of a new grant for works for the enhancement of preservation of the character of outstanding conservation areas. The first applications for grant are now being processed and cover a wide variety of schemes from voluntary bodies and private owners as well as local authorities. Some pilot projects have also been initiated, with the participation of my Department, in these towns.