§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider extending the use of the Redundant Churches Fund to Nonconformist chapels and meeting houses.
§ Mr. ShoreThis is outside the statutory scope of the Redundant Churches Fund, which is limited to the Church of England. The Government have, however, already announced their willingness when economic circumstances permit implementation of the agreed scheme for State aid to historic churches in use, to consider making some provisions for redundant churches, chapels, etc., of other denominations. I am sending the right hon. Gentleman a copy of a statement made by my noble Friend the Baroness Birk in another place on 11th November 1976; paragraph (x) of the Annex to the statement gives in detail the proposals for redundant buildings of denominations other than the Church of England; and a copy is being placed in the Library.