§ 38. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how many bishops(a) are and (b) are not provided with a car and chauffeur; at what annual cost; and if he will make a statement. [15560]
§ Mr. AlisonAt 31 December last, 104 bishops were provided with cars. Thirty-one bishops employ chauffeurs, of whom 10 are part-time or combine the post with other duties. Nine bishops use their own cars and are paid a mileage allowance. The net cost of car purchase in 1995 was £378,000. The cost of chauffeurs' salaries in 1995 was £334,000. From 1997, new cars will be acquired under a leasing arrangement which is expected to produce significant savings.