Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Protecting Heritage Assets

Thursday 11 January 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve Tuckwell inquired about support for protecting heritage assets in his constituency, including RAF Northolt and the Battle of Britain Bunker, and was informed about available repair grants and National Lottery Heritage Fund grants.
  • Chi Onwurah requested assistance with the unredaction of minutes related to the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation for Victoria Tower Gardens, and the Minister agreed to investigate the matter.
  • Peter Bottomley questioned whether discussions have taken place with Ards and North Down Borough Council to ensure heritage retention, and the Minister stated she would inquire if there have been such discussions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Tuckwell
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question asks about steps taken to support local communities and special interest groups in protecting heritage assets.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support local communities and special interest groups in protecting heritage assets. With both RAF Northolt and the Battle of Britain Bunker in my constituency, people share deep ties with WWII. As the 84th anniversary approaches, would she meet me and other local groups dedicated to preserving these sites?

Answer from Julia Lopez

We welcome applications through Historic England for local heritage assets. We are committed to supporting communities, including through repair grants for heritage at risk and National Lottery Heritage Fund's grants. I understand that my hon. Friend has met with Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting local groups dedicated to preserving valuable heritage sites such as RAF Northolt and the Battle of Britain Bunker

How: Under Review

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Q2 Steve Tuckwell
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Hadrian's Wall runs through Newcastle's west end but is not well celebrated or signposted, with the national trail not following the wall's path.

Question

What help can the Minister offer to local communities keen to celebrate this history which is literally in their backyard?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I was not aware of this oversight but will raise it with Lord Parkinson at the next opportunity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Offering specific help to improve celebration, signposting, and paths for Hadrian's Wall history in Newcastle

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Q3 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question refers to heritage in Victoria Tower Gardens and requests unredaction of minutes from the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation.

Question

Will the Minister help the heritage of Victoria Tower Gardens by getting the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation to unredact minutes of December 2018?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I confess I am not sure about this issue, so I will do some investigation and we will see what the Department can do to facilitate his request.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Getting UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation to unredact minutes of December 2018

How: Under Review

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Q4 Peter Bottomley Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The constituency of Strangford has significant heritage from first and second world wars, including plans to promote this at the Somme Museum.

Question

Have any discussions taken place with Ards and North Down Borough Council to ensure that our heritage is retained for everyone?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I understand my ministerial colleague had a positive visit to the constituency. I will ask if there have been any discussions with his local authority on that basis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Confirming specific details about discussions regarding heritage promotion in Strangford

How: Under Review

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Q5 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question asks about steps taken to support local communities and special interest groups in protecting heritage assets.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support local communities and special interest groups in protecting heritage assets. With both RAF Northolt and the Battle of Britain Bunker in my constituency, people share deep ties with WWII. As the 84th anniversary approaches, would she meet me and other local groups dedicated to preserving these sites?

Answer from Julia Lopez

We welcome applications through Historic England for local heritage assets. We are committed to supporting communities, including through repair grants for heritage at risk and National Lottery Heritage Fund's grants.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting local groups dedicated to preserving valuable heritage sites such as RAF Northolt and the Battle of Britain Bunker

How: Under Review

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