§ 18. Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement about the Church Commissioners' policy on the sale of church owned inner-city sites.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe commisioners have primary regard to the interests of their beneficiaries, but also take into account all other relevant factors, including, in appropriate case, the recommendations of the dioceses.
§ Mr. FieldGiven the responsibility of the commissioners to provide salaries and pensions, may I suggest that they publish a discussion paper which sets out the extent to which they are prepared to back voluntary and community groups when they sell valuable inner-city sites?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for reminding the House that, in the great majority of cases, the commissioners devote those proceeds to stipends and pensions, which are extremely important. That fact is not always remembered. My immediate reaction is to say that conditions are so different in a large variety of cases—many of the decisions must be made by the individual diocese—as not to make a paper helpful. However, I shall consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.
§ Mr. WheelerWill my hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that, with regard to the disposal of the Holy Trinity church site in my constituency, my constituents welcome the disposal and are especially grateful for the £200,000 which the Church Commissioners intend to make available to local organisations?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI am much obliged to my hon. Friend. There were various points of view in that case, but I hope that the outcome will help the local community that he represents so vigorously.