HC Deb 09 December 1985 vol 88 cc615-6
23. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, what provision the Church Commissioners are making in the current year for clergy widows; what were the figures for each of the last five years; and what provision exists for deserted and divorced clergy wives.

The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Sir William van Straubenzee)

While I am circulating full details in the Official Report, I can say that the widow of a clergyman with full service in the current year receives £2,175 per annum. For 1985, it is estimated that £7.6 million will be made available. The commissioners have no powers to make their funds available for deserted and divorced clergy wives.

Mr. Bruinvels

Although I am delighted that so much money is given to the widows of clergymen—it is a recognition of the tremendous amount of unpaid work done by clergymen's wives—is it not a shame that clergymen's wives who are deserted are treated so badly, sometimes by being kicked out of the vicarage the next day, and have to suffer all the attendant iniquity without any money coming in? Could not more be done for them? Should not the Church of England report "Faith in the City" have considered affairs within the Church, rather than financial and other matters?

Sir William van Straubenzee

I know that my hon. Friend appreciates, although not everyone does, that if the widow's total income is below £3,625, she is entitled to augmentation. I gave the exact pension figure. A recent inquiry by the House of Bishops recommended that divorced and deserted wives should be dealt with by the dioceses, but it will open discussions with the commissioners in respect of grants and loans.

Mr. Simon Hughes

Many hon. Members will welcome the initial response of the commissioners, who said that part of their provision may be allocated to a Church urban fund. When does the hon. Gentleman envisage an announcement confirming that? Will the commissioners also consider the transfer of what I believe are called historic resources from the affluent to the less affluent parts of England?

Sir William van Straubenzee

I assume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the recommendations of the report that has been mentioned. The Church Commissioners will wish to consider the matter carefully. It might have been a good thing if some other people had done that.

Mr. Frank Field

May I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the report from the House of Bishops on the break-up of clergymen's marriages and say how much I welcome that report? When will he return to the House and report that the commissioners will underwrite the recommendations that need some financial backing?

Sir William van Straubenzee

A report on grants and loans, which I understand is the commissioners' approach to the matter, will be received very soon. If the hon. Gentleman tables a question after an appropriate interval. I shall do my best to answer it.

Following are the details:

The Commissioners' financial support for widows' pensions annually since 1980 has been as follows:
£ million
1980 3.6
1981 4.2
1982 5.2
1983 6.0
1984 6.7
1985 *7.6
*Estimate.