HC Deb 21 March 2001 vol 365 cc244-5W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and. Sport what representations he has received on the grant to churches awarded in the recent Budget; how churches can apply; and if he will make a statement. [154567]

Mr. Alan Howarth

My Department has been charged by the Chancellor with taking forward the development of the new grant scheme for listed places of worship. The announcement has attracted considerable interest, and my officials have taken numerous inquiries since the 7 March. It is my intention that the scheme should be operational as early as possible and I will make a further announcement in due course.