§ 33. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how much was spent on security of vicarages and bishops' palaces in each of the past three years in real terms; how many buildings were involved in each year; what were the principal measures involved; and if he will make a statement. [6532]
§ Mr. AlisonThe provision of security measures for parsonage houses and suffragan bishops' houses is the responsibility of dioceses, which have done much in recent years to improve matters. The commissioners offer advice and this is currently under review.
The commissioners are responsible for see houses and have put in hand security measures which are appropriate to the individual properties and the personal circumstances of the bishop, his family and staff. Such measures also meet the stringent requirements of the commissioners' insurers. Measures include the installation of integrated fire and intruder alarm systems. Detailed figures are not available, but I can assure my hon. Friend that this important work is properly funded.