§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Heritage Lottery Fund regarding the future of HMS Cavalier. [47112]
§ Mr. BanksMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Minister for Arts and I have not had any discussions with the Heritage Lottery Fund about the future of HMS Cavalier. However, we are aware of her status as the last surviving Second World War60W destroyer and of the case for her preservation. These issues were considered in detail during the recent Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into the future of the ship. In this regard, we were pleased to hear of the National Heritage Memorial Fund award to Medway Council, in association with Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, of £37,575 for a feasibility study of the case for preservation and relocation.