Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what action the Government are taking to link receipt of funding to improve buildings of historical interest to increased access for members of the public; and if she will make a statement; [63938]
(2) which properties in London have received funding from (a) English Heritage and (b) the Heritage lottery fund in each of the last 10 years for improvement works; and how many of these properties allow access to members of the public for (a) one day a year, (b) one week a year and (c) more than one week a year. [63937]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 24 June 2002]Over the last 10 years English Heritage has grant-aided 295 properties in London. Of these 166 were administered under the Historic Buildings and Monuments Act 1953. These grants are conditional on the provision of public 315W access. The level of access depends on the circumstances of the case and the size of the grant. Opening arrangements for the properties which receive grants are available on English Heritage's website at www.english-heritage.org.uk and in "Hudson's Historic Houses and Gardens" directory.
Grants to the remaining 129 properties were administered under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Local Government Act 1985 for exterior work and essential structural repairs. These grants were to Grade II listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas. There is no automatic access requirement, although some of these properties are open to the public.
Since 1994 the Heritage lottery fund has made 238 awards to historic buildings in London. Public access is an important consideration in awarding grants. The Heritage lottery fund recognises the central role of access in achieving its overall aim to use heritage funding to improve people's quality of life. The organisation is committed to developing the widest possible constituency for heritage, and to promoting access, equality of opportunity and inclusion in all activities.