§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans she has to strengthen the role of English Heritage in protecting historic town walls; and if she will make a statement; [117402]
(2) what action she proposes to take under the terms of the Government's policy statement, "The Historic Environment: A Force for Our Future" of December 2001 in respect of historic town walls; and if she will make a statement. [117403]
§ Dr. HowellsThe protection of historic town walls falls within the review of heritage protection legislation announced in "The Historic Environment: A Force for cur Future", and currently being carried out by the Department in partnership with English Heritage. One major aim of the review is to ensure that the future framework for managing the historic environment enables a more comprehensive view to be taken of historic assets such as historic town walls than is possible under current legislation.