§ 38. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church Commissioners have made of the relationship between the contributions made by retired clergy during their working ministership and the level of pension they are now receiving. [11153]
§ Mr. AlisonThe Church's pension scheme for retired clergy, deaconesses and licensed layworkers is non-contributory for those members of the scheme in pensionable service. Pensions and retirement lump sums are currently paid from the commissioners' investment income, and based on the length of qualifying pensionable service completed. In 1996–97, the full service pension—based on a full 37 years' service—was £8,533. For those with less than the full 37 years' service, the pension entitlement is reduced proportionately.