§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the hon. Member for Kingswood (Mr. Walker), as representing the Church Commissioners, what is the policy of the Church Commissioners in regard to investing in companies which make donations to political parties.
§ Mr. Terry WalkerWhilst the Commissioners take an active interest in the ethical and social as well as the financial aspects of their investments, donations to political parties do not normally influence their policy in choosing or managing their investments.
Of the United Kingdom companies in which the Commissioners currently hold shares, only one quarter make contributions to political parties, and the amounts involved are de minimis when compared with the size of the companies. Virtually all of the companies make contributions to charitable organisations, the total amount given being some 27 times the total given to political parties.