§ 19. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the work that English Heritage has undertaken to preserve the nation's historic churches and synagogues. [12236]
§ Mr. SproatGrants from English Heritage towards the preservation of historic churches and other ecclesiastical buildings are available for grade I and grade II* listed properties, and grade II listed properties in conservation areas. Over the five years from 1991 to 1996, English Heritage has provided £47.2 million in such grants, and aims to have spent a further £1.2 million in 1996–97.
§ 22. Sir Irvine PatnickTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what contribution the national lottery has made towards preserving the country's historic churches. [12239]
§ Mr. SproatThe national lottery provides a tremendous opportunity for the preservation of historic churches and cathedrals in this country. To date, the heritage lottery fund has made 123 grants totalling £14.3 million to preserve our ecclesiastical heritage.
The heritage lottery fund and English Heritage have also developed a single procedure whereby churches and other places of worship can apply for funding from both sources through a single route: £20 million a year could 490W be available through this joint scheme, which will make it easier for congregations to apply for funding.