§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the eligibility of canal restoration schemes for funding from the national lottery funding bodies. [7949]
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§ Mr. SproatCanal restoration schemes are eligible to apply for funding from the national lottery. The distributing bodies make their funding decisions independently of Government, and against their published criteria.
The Millennium Commission has awarded £11.9 million to the Rochdale canal trust to restore 32 miles of the Rochdale canal. The heritage lottery fund made its largest grant to date, £25.1 million, to British Waterways to secure the structure, operation, and environment of the 87-mile Kennet and Avon canal, making it accessible for the enjoyment of future generations.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will take steps to enable animal welfare groups to be eligible for lottery funding; and if she will make a statement. [7777]
§ Mr. SproatAny organisation established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes, including animal welfare charities, is eligible to apply to the National Lottery Charities Board. Animal welfare charities are, therefore, welcome to make appropriate applications. The board makes grants to charities and voluntary organisations according to the priorities set for each grants round; I understand that chief executives of several animal welfare charities have welcomed this approach and agreed that the most appropriate round in which to apply is that aimed at improving people's living environment; this round is due to be launched next year.