§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much was spent on the alteration of churches in each of the last five years; and what conditions were attached to the use of such funds.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI have no responsibility for expenditure incurred by others on church alterations. However my Department made grants under section 4 of the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953, towards the repair of churches of outstanding architectural or historic interest for the last five years as follows:
£ million 1979–80 1.9 1980–81 2.8 1981–82 3.5 1982–83 3.2 1983–84 3.2 Conditions on these grants relate to the extent and nature of the works, the method and materials to be used, provision of access by the public, and prior consultation about future works.
From 1 April 1984 the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England assumed responsibilities for these grants.