§ Mr. BatesTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how many churches in the diocese of Durham have been closed since 1984; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. AlisonSince 1 January 1984, nine out of some 310 churches in the Durham diocese have been declared redundant under the provisions of the Pastoral Measure 1983. Two had not been used since 1964, one was replaced by a new place of worship and the remaining six were no longer required as parish churches or chapels of ease. We have been notified of one further new place of worship opening in the same period.