§ 40. Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich)For what areas of work the commissioners have responsibility following their reconstitution on 1 January. [70531]
§ Mr. Stuart Bell (Second Church Estates Commissioner, representing the Church Commissioners)The commissioners continue to manage our assets to meet our pension and other legal commitments and to provide a sustainable level of support for the parochial ministry over the long term, especially in areas of need and opportunity. We are also responsible for the support of bishops and for the administration of the legal framework for pastoral reorganisation and setting the future of redundant churches.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyIt is clear that the Church Commissioners will have greatly expanded responsibilities in the run-up to the millennium because many areas of the Church will not only require positive monetary support but the benefit of those commissioners' great imagination as they look towards their future duties. What suggestions has my hon. Friend about the way in which their responsibilities can be expanded?
§ Mr. BellThe Archbishops Council has been created to provide a focus for leadership within the Church, and it will certainly include the qualities of dynamism and imagination. In line with its strategic role, the council is now responsible for distributing the income made available from the commissioners' assets for the support of the parochial ministry. It has also taken on the responsibilities formerly held by the commissioners for recommending clergy stipend levels and setting parochial fees.
You will be glad to know, Madam Speaker, that the commissioners are still responsible and accountable to this House through the Second Church Estates Commissioner. The commissioners will continue to answer questions in the House of Commons and to lay our annual report and accounts before Parliament.