To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to preserve market towns. [110691]

It is fundamental to the Government's policies for environmental stewardship that there should be effective protection for all aspects of the historic environment, including market towns. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 provides specific protection for buildings and areas of special architectural or historic interest. The Government is currently undertaking a review of heritage protection legislation to improve the effectiveness of the current designation system, and to approach the designation and management of the historic environment more holistically.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from heritage groups in the United Kingdom regarding the preservation of market towns. [110692]

The Department has received no representations specifically on the preservation of market towns, but is fully committed to ensuring that all aspects of the historic environment are both valued and protected effectively.