What use the commissioners expect to make of the faith communities capacity building fund; and if he will make a statement.

The commissioners welcome the existence of the fund administered by the Community Development Foundation, through which some £5 million will be distributed between January 2006 and March 2007. The commissioners have not made use of the fund, but the Church's community and urban affairs unit has promoted it among regional groupings.

Will my hon. Friend join me in expressing the hope that the Church Commissioners will use that valuable fund as widely as possible and in ways that help to build interfaith linkages within communities and linkages between rural and urban communities, and in the development of faith trails for all to enjoy?

As my hon. Friend is aware, interfaith activity involves programmes designed to bring people of different faiths together in rural and urban areas to promote mutual understanding, respect and co-operation. Capacity building involves strengthening groups' organisational capabilities, enabling them to sustain themselves and to play a full part in society, and this is a valuable contribution.