§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the honourable Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what plans there are to establish clergy on civil service terms. [87986]
§ Mr. BellThe Archbishops' Council, acting as the Church of England's Central Stipends Authority, bases its recommendations for maternity and paternity provision and long term sick leave for parish clergy upon civil service terms and conditions. Most of the (relatively few) anglican clergy directly employed by the Council or by diocesan offices will also be on civil service terms.
On the wider question of future options in respect of clergy employment rights I refer the hon .Member to my answers earlier this month.