§ 34. Mr. Ian BruceTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the Church Commissioners' policy on investing in providing low-cost family homes to rent.
§ 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 investments decisions. Furthermore, they are not a housing charity. However, the Commissioners are sensitive to the needs in this area and are, therefore, alert to opportunities to dispose of land for the provision of affordable housing where this does not conflict with their duty as trustees. Furthermore, their Octavia Hill residential estates in central London provide about 1,500 homes for people on modest incomes.