To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her strategy is for the long-term sustainability of seaside piers; and if she will make a statement. (104830)

This Department does not have a strategy for the sustainability of seaside piers. However, the English Heritage Seaside Research Project is examining the broad historical contribution of the pier to England's seaside. Its findings will be published in a monograph, which is due to be published in September/October 2007. The research gathered in the course of the project will be used to develop policy for English Heritage, which might include specific initiatives on the conservation and future of piers.