§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether, in view of the two years which have elapsed since the Government accepted the principle of State aid for historic churches in use, he will now introduce an extended pilot scheme in Suffolk with its many ecclesiastical buildings of outstanding architectural and historic interest, where need and response are assured;
(2) if, in view of the fact that it was announced in January 1975 that the Government had accepted the case for State aid for historic churches in use, he will seek to expedite ratification of the scheme by religious authorities and announce a date when it will start generally.
§ Mr. ShoreMy noble Friend announced on 11th November 1976 in another place that representatives of the Government and of the religious denominations had met and agreed details of a draft scheme for State aid to historic churches in use. The General Synod of208W the Church of England has officially welcomed the scheme and I have now heard that the Churches Main Committee, on behalf of the other denominations, has also accepted it, with only a few very minor reservations. I regret, however, that in the current economic situation I am unable to give a starting date, both nationally or for Suffolk in particular.