§ 37. Mr. Ben Chapman (Wirral, South)If he will make a statement on plans to reduce crimes or acts of vandalism against churches. [70528]
§ Mr. Stuart Bell (Second Church Estates Commissioner, representing the Church Commissioners)I am well aware of the nature of the problem of vandalism against churches. On average in a given year one church in three will make an insurance claim relating to a malicious attack on a building. Responsibility for the care of church buildings lies locally with the parochial church council but the Church both at the centre and in the diocese is well placed to give support to parishes in tackling this issue.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs my hon. Friend aware that in my constituency, be it in Heswall, Bromborough, Bebington or Eastham, churches are often vandalised? This might take the form of graffiti on the wall, interior desecration or gravestones knocked down, for example. Is my hon. Friend aware also that this serious and deep-felt problem is growing and needs to be contained? Will he consider an extension of the church-watch scheme or encouraging parishes to promote youth projects, or other solutions to that serious issue?
§ Mr. BellI am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing attention to what is a sad and serious problem. The Church must balance the fact that we need access to our churches for prayer, contemplation and meditation with the need at the same time to keep churches locked for security purposes. My hon. Friend makes a valid point in drawing attention to certain schemes that are extant, and I draw his attention to a further scheme which is the first Church risk management group, which has been established for the diocese of Leicester. This group will visit parishes and assess and advise on potential risks. It will work closely with the diocesan advisory committee and appropriate outside agencies to improve fire safety, crime reduction levels and risk management in all church property. The scheme has already attracted much interest 17 and it is possible that it may be promoted nationally. I will add my hon. Friend's suggestions to the list that has already been made and ensure that they reach the appropriate authorities.
§ Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)In the light of the recent Second Reading of the Employment Relations Bill, what discussions has the hon. Gentleman had with the Church Commissioners regarding fair treatment of members of the clergy?
§ Mr. BellI would hope that the Church will be extremely fair to all its clergy and will take that legislation into account. There are discussions on that issue in the General Synod, as well as among the Church Commissioners, and we take the question of charity at home very seriously.