HC Deb 23 February 1994 vol 238 cc303-4W
Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners what plans the Commissioners have for a separate pension fund to be set up with independent trustees; and if it will be the Commissioners' policy for the size of the fund to be actuarially sound to meet all committed pension payments even to the extent of funding it out of income for a number of years.

Mr. Alison

It is the Commissioners' intention to ensure that the arrangements for the funding of clergy pensions should be placed on an actuarially sound basis. A leading firm of actuaries has been appointed to offer independent advice and discussions are being held with the Church of England Pensions Board and others about the best way forward. The Commissioners' assets comfortably exceed the pensions liabilities which have accrued to date.