HC Deb 16 July 2001 vol 372 cc16-7
34. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)

If he will make a statement about annual expenditure on prelates. [2456]

Mr. Stuart Bell (Second Church Estates Commissioner, representing the Church Commissioners)

The Church Commissioners spent £15.8 million in 2000 on bishops' stipends and working costs and looking after diocesan bishops' houses, which the Commissioners own. Housing and working costs budgets are agreed annually.

Mr. Swayne

Does the hon. Member agree that, notwithstanding the recent increases, the expenses continue to represent a bargain for the Church, especially when compared with our own expenses? What will the commissioners do to relieve prelates of administrative burdens so that they can concentrate on the teaching ministry of which the nation is in such great need?

Mr. Bell

Fortunately for me, I am not responsible for MPs' pay structures or costs. As Sue MacGregor said on Radio 4's "Today" programme when interviewing Professor Anthony Mellows, bishops are struggling to carry out their daily tasks because of mounting financial and other burdens. Professor Mellows, who is conducting the review of bishops' needs and resources, responded by saying that there was a great difference between the public perception, which was of rather grand life styles, and the reality of the position. The hon. Gentleman's point on the way in which the Church Commissioners can help to relieve bishops of their administrative burden is well taken and will be looked at.

Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire)

Will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that he has absolutely no sympathy with the nitpicking Scrooges who would deprive bishops of the opportunity to obtain modest driving assistance? It is surely not right that bishops should have to drive themselves round their dioceses to all their engagements.

Mr. Bell

All that I can say to the hon. Gentleman is, "Amen to that."