HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 c420W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has declared that clergy can be deemed to be employees under section 23 of the Employment Relations Act 1999; and if he will make a statement. [150992]

Mr. Alan Johnson

I intend to publish later this year a discussion paper on all the legal issues relating to employment status as they affect the coverage of statutory employment rights. I envisage that the position of members of the clergy will be one of the issues raised. Any future proposals for changes in the legislation in this regard will be considered in light of responses to the discussion paper.