HC Deb 31 January 1994 vol 236 cc549-50W
32. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how many(a) incumbents and (b) assistant clergy are currently in the pay of the Church Commissioners; how much money is involved during the current year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison

There are about 10,500 stipendary clergy; I will write to my hon. Friend with the precise breakdown. The total annual cost of paying clergy stipends last year, including senior clergy, was approximately £155 million, of which the Commissioners met £63 million. An increasing proportion of this cost will fall on parishes as the Commissioners reduce their support to a more sustainable level. The active ministry will therefore depend far more on the giving of Church members.