§ 22. Mr. Chapmanasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, by how much the contributions from parishes have changed in the proportion of the total payments for stipends in the last five years.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe contribution from parishes for clergy stipends rose from 29 per cent. of the total in 1979 to 41 per cent. in 1981 and 44 per cent. in 1984.
§ Mr. ChapmanDoes my hon. Friend agree that the increasing contributions of churchgoers have been principally responsible for the significant increase in stipends in recent years? Is that not the finest possible example of the old adage that charity begins at home?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe contributions of the laity, increasing proportionately in terms of stipends year by year, have been enormously important, but I hope that my hon. Friend has also noticed that the Church Commissioners have been able, by prudent management, to increase their contribution and that they are wholly responsible for all pensions.
§ Mr. Frank FieldAs the Commissioners rightly make much of their record in efficiently managing Church funds, which are largely used for stipends, how does the hon. Gentleman justify the Commissioners not selling their land at Molesworth to the highest bidder?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeBecause the land at Molesworth is not vested in the Church Commissioners. It is vested in the diocese of Peterborough and is not the concern of the Church Commissioners. If the hon. Gentleman would like to know the address to which he should make his representations, I shall happily send it to him.