§ 32. Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what cost has been incurred so far and what is the estimated cost 20 years hence of the compensation measures following the ordination of women Measures.
§ Mr. AlisonThe total cost of the financial provision over the next 10 years for the number of clergy expected to have resigned by the end of this month—July 1994—is estimated to be £7.5 million. We are unable to estimate the total cost over 20 years, as that will depend on how many clergy have resigned by the year 2004.
§ Mr. FieldWill the £7.5 million—if that figure is accurate—be paid by the commissioners or by individual dioceses?
§ Mr. AlisonThat will depend on the extent to which it becomes a real cost. The sums expended will naturally result in sums being saved, because stipends will no longer be payable to those who have resigned. We shall have to make a precise assessment of the net position, but the contribution made by the Church Commissioners to all the dioceses is viewed as a global entity. I think that it would be impossible to specify the net figure that we are discussing within that entity.