§ Ms LynneTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what efforts are made to ensure that investments made conform to the ideals of ethical investment.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Commissioners' primary responsibility is to produce. a proper return on their assets for the support of the clergy, so financial considerations must take priority in investment decisions. However, the Commissioners have always operated, and regularly reviewed, a strong ethical policy which takes account of social, ethical and environmental issues and which is sensitive to the views of Church people. They do not, for example, invest directly in companies whose main business is armaments, gambling, alcohol or tobacco. I have arranged for the hon. Member to receive a copy of the Commissioners' leaflet "A Question of Ethics".