§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his policy in respect of the preservation of traditional British seaside resort piers. [55709]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Government fully support the preservation of historic seaside piers. Public funding is available from English Heritage (or the equivalent agency in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) and from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund. To date, the National Heritage Memorial Fund has made three awards, totalling £1.2 million, for the restoration of historic piers, and the Heritage Lottery Fund eight awards, totalling £15 million.