§ 26. Mr. WatersonTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, how many Church of England clergy have been in communication with the pensions board because they are contemplating leaving the ministry as a result of the decision of the General Synod to permit the ordination of women to the priesthood.
§ Mr. AlisonAbout 500 clergy have been in touch with the pensions board on that matter since the vote by the General Synod. Most have given no indication of their intentions.
§ Mr. WatersonDoes my right hon. Friend accept that there is strong feeling on this subject among the clergy in my constituency and that it would be unfair if individual clergy who chose to leave the Church on a matter of conscience were in any way penalised as a result of pension implications?
§ Mr. AlisonYes. I take note of what my hon. Friend says, but, as I think he knows, provisions have been made for substantial financial compensation for clergy who wish to leave the Church of England as a result of the clergy ordination measure. We reckon that the cost is likely to be in the region of £1 million per 100 clergy retiring per annum, so the compensation figures are substantial.