HC Deb 25 January 1999 vol 324 c47W
37. Mr. Hunter

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the funding of theological training for ordinands. [65650]

Mr. Stuart Bell

There are 1,381 Anglican ordinands in training, whose costs are met primarily by money raised each year from the dioceses. The dioceses also provide financial support for the dependents of married ordinands in full-time training. Some support is also provided by the Church Times Train-a-Priest Fund, and other charities and trusts.

None of the training institutions receive direct support from public funds, although a small minority of ordinands attract LEA mandatory awards.