HC Deb 07 July 1976 vol 914 cc1366-8
42. Mr. Atkinson

asked the hon. Member for Kingswood, representing the Church Commissioners, how many of the houses, shops and flats owned by the commissioners in Greater London have been demolished within the period 1965 to 1975; how many have been replaced by offices; and if he will make a statement as to whether it is the future policy of the commissioners to replace existing houses, shops and flats with similar buildings.

Mr. Terry Walker (Second Church Estates Commissioner representing Church Commissioners)

I regret that the comprehensive statistical information requested is not readily available. As to their future policy, the commissioners expect to be carrying out only a strictly limited amount of redevelopment in the foreseeable future. Each such scheme needs to be considered on its individual merits and in the light of the economic, environmental and planning factors relevant in the particular case. If my hon. Friend is, concerned about any specific cases relating to his constituency, I shall be pleased to do all I can to help him.

Mr. Atkinson

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is a remarkable relevation that the Church does not know how many houses it has demolished? [An HON. MEMBER: "All will be revealed."] is it not the view of the Church that it should make as much money as it can to augment Church funds, irrespective of the number of shops and houses it has to demolish to make way for the building of this lucrative property to achieve a profitable return? Should not the Church accept its responsibilities along with the Greater London Council and the London boroughs to ensure that it does not demolish shops and houses to build office blocks in pursuit of that policy?

Mr. Walker

The statistical information was not available because the Question was lodged with us only on Monday and we were not given the two weeks' notice that is necessary. Regarding the information which my hon. Friend requires, we will co-operate with those concerned and certainly with the Greater London Council in working out what is best for the area as a whole. We will take into account the economic, environmental and planning factors that are relevant in each case.

Mr. Michael Latham

Although the Church has important social duties concerning housing and agriculture—I believe that it has 7,000 houses in London with rents of less than £500 a year—does it not also have a duty to augment the pay of clergymen, which at present is very bad?

Mr Walker

As I told the hon. Gentleman with in the last fortnight, we have an obligation to ensure that we augment the stipends of the clergy in the Church of England. That is an increasing problem for us and we must consider it because it is the bread and butter of our policy.

Mr. George Cunningham

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the last few years the Church Commissioners have been involved in property arrangements which have caused severe misery to tenants in Finsbury, in my constituency? What changes have there been in the policy of the commissioners concerning their residential property involvement in recent years?

Mr. Walker

Since I became Second Church Estates Commissioner in December 1974 I have been able, in conjunction with hon. Members, to answer questions and to get these matters put right. There is no doubt that the commissioners will have problems to overcome in the future, and we shall be prepared to co-operate with any hon. Members who make representations to us.

Mr. Lawrence

Can the hon. Gentleman remember whether he voted with the Government against a Conservative amendment to the Development Land Tax Bill which suggested that there should be exemption for churches which wish to sell land for development to meet their future needs?

Mr. Walker

That is not the subject of the Question.