Redundant Churches Fund

HC Deb 16 December 1991 vol 201 cc13-4

30. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how much has been granted to the redundant churches fund in each of the last two years.

Mr. Alison

The redundant churches fund received £1.7 million from the Department of the Environment and £760,000 from the Church Commissioners in 1990, and £1.8 million and £774,000 respectively in 1991.

Dr. Goodson-Wickes

My right hon. Friend will, I am sure, endorse the importance of fostering sacred and secular links. He may be aware that the custom of displaying royal arms in churches has fallen into abeyance since Queen Victoria's time. Will he make representations within the budget to which he referred to urge the Commissioners to restore that agreeable practice in the 40th year of this monarch's reign?

Mr. Alison

It is true that, from 1660 onwards, it became compulsory to display the royal arms in every church as a reminder to clergy and the congregation that the monarch was the head of the Church. If that practice has declined somewhat, it has been because nobody had any doubt that the Queen was the head of the Church. However, should Mr. Delors and the European Commission cast envious eyes at the Church of England from Brussels, it may be necessary to encourage the reintroduction of the painting of the royal coats of arms on parish churches in England.

Mr. Frank Field

How often in the past two years have the Commissioners ignored the advice of the redundant churches fund, and how many historic buildings have been lost thereby?

Mr. Alison

I think that only one historic building has fallen prey to the failure of the Commissioners and the Advisory Board for Redundant Churches to meet, consult and agree. The work and co-operation of those bodies is very vigorously, sensitively and carefully carried out to ensure that redundant churches of note are not demolished.

Mr. Cormack

Does my right hon. Friend agree that fewer churches would be declared redundant if they were less expensive to maintain? In that context, will he assure me that the Church Commissioners are continuing to press the Treasury for relief from VAT for repairs to listed buildings?

Mr. Alison

I assure my hon. Friend that that is the case.