§ 37. Mr. BradshawTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what changes will be made to the Commissioners' constitution from 1 January 1999; and if he will make a statement. [61378]
52W
§ Mr. Stuart BellUnder the National Institutions Measure, which received Royal Assent in July this year, the number of Commissioners will be reduced from 95 to 33. The Commissioners' membership will continue to reflect the Commissioners' joint accountability to Church and State.
§ 38. Mr. PikeTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if the links between the Commissioners and Parliament will continue under the Commissioners' new constitution. [61379]
§ Mr. Stuart BellI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have just given to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw). I can assure the House that the close links between the Commissioners and Parliament will continue under the Commissioners' new constitution, through my own role and that of the six State office holders who will be Commissioners from 1 January 1999.
53WThe Commissioners' membership will reflect the Commissioners' dual accountability to Church and Parliament. The Commissioners will continue to answer questions in the House of Commons and to lay their Annual Report and Accounts before Parliament.