HC Deb 27 July 1978 vol 954 c839W
Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will issue regulations to ensure that religious organisations registered with the Charity Commission are obliged to submit annual accounts to the Commission; and whether he will also issue regulations to ensure that such accounts are available for public scrutiny.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Most of the major religious bodies have for many years been exempted by orders or regulations from the statutory obligation of charity trustees to present accounts to the Charity Commissioners. If the hon. Member will let me know the reasons why he thinks that these exemptions should be reviewed. I shall be glad to consider them.