HC Deb 19 April 1983 vol 41 cc63-4W
Mr. Benn

asked the Prime Minister what factors she will take into account in making her recommendation in respect of the impending appointment to the Archbishopric of York; and whether she will publish the names of the candidates put forward by the Crown Appointments Commission to allow public discussion about those candidates in the Church and outside before she comes to her conclusion.

The Prime Minister

My recommendation will be based on advice from the Crown Appointments Commission, the body set up for this purpose by the General Synod of the Church of England in 1977. That advice is confidential. These arrangements were set out in answer to a question on 8 June 1976 by the then Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) and were agreed by the then leaders of the major Opposition parties.