§ 25. Mr. DalyellTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, how many buildings within the control of the Church Commissioners have been damaged by arson over any recent convenient period; arid what is the security policy in relation to ecclesiastical buildings within their control.
§ Mr. AlisonIsolated incidents of arson have been recorded over recent years on the commissioners' farms, which are in the direct care of their tenants. The commissioners are not directly responsible for the care of churches, the security of which is normally under the charge of the incumbent churchwardens and parochial church councils. I am sure that, like me, the hon. Gentleman deeply deplores the arson attack on St. Peter's, Eaton square, last October, and a recent church fire in the City of London, which was also attributed to arson.
§ Mr. DalyellAgainst the background of the example of St. Peter's, Eaton square, of which I gave warning to the right hon. Gentleman, what is the advice of the commissioners to incumbents and other ecclesiastical authorities? Is it to keep the churches open for worship or, from fear of arson, to lock doors which hitherto have not been locked?
§ Mr. AlisonBroadly, that advice is not strictly ad vice that should be tendered by the Commissioners, although we clearly have an indirect interest in terms of the financial help that we give to the dioceses and parishes. However, the advice and information that we receive is that parochial church councils all strive to keep churches as open as possible. Although incidents of theft and vandalism have occurred in 45 per cent. of all parish churches in every part of the country in the past five to 10 years, nevertheless, the policy of keeping churches open is one that we wish to continue.