§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what contribution the Church Commissioners are making to the planning of Christian evangelisation for the remainder of the year 2000 and for 2001. [105968]
§ Mr. Stuart BellI am sure that hon. Member will agree with me that the hard-working priests of the Church of England are in the front line of evangelisation.
The primary focus of the Church Commissioners is their support for the ongoing parochial ministry and mission, and to this end we shall be providing upwards of £120 million this year towards clergy stipends and pensions so that all parishes might play their part in sharing the Christian message with those in their communities.