§ 26. Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, how many churches in the diocese of Durham have become redundant in the last year.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeTwo, Sir.
§ Mr. JonesDoes my hon. Friend agree that those and other churches would be fuller if there were not so much demoralisation of the laity in the Church of England as a result of the heretical and schismatic views expressed by the Lord Bishop of Durham? Will he arrange to use some Church Commissioners' funds to circulate the excellent work by Father Holloway of Newcastle upon Tyne, so that people can see that there is another case, which is one of faith in the Church of England?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI find myself, with somewhat monotonous regularity, explaining to the House that I am not answerable for the Bishop of Durham, I have quite enough on my plate without that. I note my hon. Friend's observation, but I do not think that it would be a proper use of Church Commissioners' funds to circulate the views of anyone, however distinguished, as Father Holloway certainly is.
§ Mr. WinnickIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the criticism being levelled at the Church of England by many of his hon. Friends arises out of the simple fact that the Church of England is no longer the Tory party at prayer?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI hope that it would be all parties at prayer. As I gaze across the Chamber. I think that it is an activity that could usefully be carried on elsewhere.