§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, if he will list the current cost of the compensation Measure resulting from the ordination of women ministers; and what is the Commissioners' latest estimate and the final compensation cost.
§ Mr. AlisonAs at 31 January 1995, 242 clergy eligible for financial assistance under the Measure had resigned and have so far received £2.7 million in resettlement grants and periodic payments. A further 48 clergy have notified us of their intention to resign. Based on a total of 290 resignations, the estimated total cost of such payments over the next 10 years, including the costs already incurred, is likely to be about £14 million.