Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 February 2005. It was answered by Stuart Bell (Labour) on Monday, 21 February 2005 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Church Commissioners

Question: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what estimate the commissioners have made of the cost of restoring the fabric and maintaining the structures of York Cathedral; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what estimate the commissioners have made of the cost of restoring the fabric and maintaining the structures of York Cathedral; and if he will make a statement. [217008] Sir Stuart Bell: York Minster has recently identified the need for major repair work on the East Front. The Cathedrals Fabric Commission is involved in discussion with the Chapter and has encouraged it to look at all the options. Any estimates of costs would be a matter for the Chapter. I should add by way of the statement requested by my hon. Friend that in 2003 the Commissioners provided £2.5 million in grants to cathedrals and spent £3.8 million on cathedral clergy stipends. In the case of York Minster, it receives no other financial support from the Commissioners, whose grants are targeted on the least well resourced.

Secondary information