To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what estimate the Commissioners have made of the internal damage caused by bats to parish churches. (111470)

No information is held centrally but a substantial number of churches, especially in rural areas, have roosts. Many are accommodated successfully but the potential for damage to important historic contents is high and managing the situation can be both costly and difficult for the volunteers who care for our church buildings.