§ 21. Mr. Greenwayasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, what resources the Church Commissioners have spent towards assisting the unemployed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe Commissioners make a contribution towards employment in so far as the greater part of their stock exchange investments are in the ordinary shares of United Kingdom companies. They have also taken up opportunities for investment in projects in areas of high unemployment.
§ Mr. GreenwayI note that contribution, but can my hon. Friend give any examples of schemes to help the unemployed at diocesan and parish level? Will he consider initiating in-service training schemes to improve the theology of some bishops and clergy?
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeThe Church Commissioners are not responsible for in-service or other training of bishops.
On the first part of my hon. Friend's question, I can give him the examples of investment in the Lancashire and Merseyside enterprise fund, which has been set up to provide capital for new and existing smaller businesses in Lancashire and Merseyside; investment in four regional unit trusts in the north-east, Yorkshire and the north-west; and a scheme in Finsbury to provide small workshop units to serve the local community.