Mr. Fearn: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the decision of the HeritageLottery Board to reject the application from Southport Pier Trust for funding of the renovation. [23376]Mr. Banks: Decisions on heritage Lottery applications are made independently of Government by the Trustees of the National HeritageMemorial Fund, the body responsible for the Heritage Lottery Fund. My right hon. Friend does not intervene in the process or commenton decisions made.