§ 31. Mr. DickensTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how many redundant churches are being preserved by use of the redundant churches fund; and if he will make a statement on the flexibility exercised by the Church Commissioners regarding the sale of redundant churches for alternative use.
§ Mr. AlisonAt the end of 1993, 289 redundant churches were vested in the redundant churches fund.
When a Church of England church is closed for regular public worship, the Pastoral Measure requires that a suitable alternative use be sought for it. The Commissioners make the final decision and regard as suitable a use which is consonant with the former use of the building as a place of worship, and with its historic and architectural qualities and which has planning permission.