§ 15. Mr. Murphyasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the policy of the Commissioners towards the disposal of redundant churches.
§ Sir William van Straubenzee (The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Representing Church Commissioners)The commissioners' general policy towards the disposal of redundant churches is governed by the Pastoral Measure 1968, which provides for the future of a redundant church to be settled by a suitable alternative use, preservation by the redundant churches fund or demolition. I am, however, writing to my hon. Friend to give him more details of the commissioners' policy in this matter.
§ Mr. MurphyI thank my hon. Friend for that full and helpful answer. Is he satisfied with the publicity that is afforded to the availability of redundant churches?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeePublicity is an issue for individual dioceses. Properties vary enormously, but they are normally advertised. A list of such available properties is kept by the commissioners and it can be obtained by members of the public on request. Since 1969 over 50 per cent. of churches that have been declared redundant have been put to suitable alternative use.
§ Mr. GreenwayMy hon. Friend will be aware that there are occasions when there are clashes of interest between the spiritual and the material when considering the future use of redundant churches. Will he assure the House that where there is such a clash, spiritual considerations will always be in the ascendent?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeIt can normally be assumed that the Church Commissioners will give due weight to spiritual considerations. The most favoured alternative use would be that of another Christian denomination.
§ Mr. Robert AtkinsWhen a church is taken over—it happened in my constituency recently—what happens to the gravestones and the fabric of the church if it has any architectural merit?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThose, too, are matters for each diocese. However, a memorandum of guidance has been issued by the Church Commissioners on such matters. I am answering, by written answer, a number of questions tabled by the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on precisely these matters. My answer goes into some considerable detail. I invite my hon. Friend to read Hansard tomorrow.