§ 20. Mr. Chapmanasked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the current level of Church Commissioners' expenditure on Church buildings.
§ Sir Wiliam van StraubenzeeThe Church Commissioners' expenditure on church buildings during the year ending 31 December 1985 totalled £3.3 million.
§ Mr. ChapmanAs the Church raises about £55 million —whether through the Church Commissioners or parish fund-raising—to conserve and preserve its architectural heritage, and as the Church has a 3:1 better record in preserving its heritage than owners of secular buildings, does my hon. Friend agree that that is a matter of commendation and that it would be foolish to seek to change the laws related to listed buildings consent by getting rid of the ecclesiastical exemption? We should leave things exactly as they are.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI am obliged to my hon. Friend. As he knows, the matter is under the scrutiny of the Select Committee on the Environment. It will be interesting to see what the Committee contributes. In the meanwhile, I am able to confirm that congregations provide £55 million each year for the upkeep and maintenance of their buildings, compared to about £4 million received in the form of state aid.