§ 23. Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, what financial provisions are made by the Church Commissioners for the widows of clergy; and how much financial support was given in each of the past five years.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeA widow receives half the pension entitlement of her husband. For full service, that amounts to £2,175 per annum. The commissioners' support for widows' pensions annually since 1980 was £3.6 million, £4.2 million, £5.2 million, £6 million and £6.7 million.
§ Mr. BruinvelsI thank my hon. Friend for that very detailed reply. Does he agree that the work carried out by the wives while their husbands are in situ is a splendid example of dedication, and that provision for them in the unfortunate event of their being widowed should take 615 account of those many years of unpaid work? Will the Church Commissioners seek to improve the amounts paid to widows?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeIt is the continuing intent of the Church Commissioners to make money available for improvements. The entitlements—I stress that they are entitlements—now turn upon two thirds of full service pension for a serving man. My hon. Friend will be aware that, in addition, widows are eligible for an augmentation grant if their total income, excluding state benefit, is less than £3,625 per year.