§ 37. Mr. BercowTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, how many redundant churches were disposed of in the last year; and what covenants relating to subsequent use were agreed. [149423]
§ Mr. Stuart BellDuring 2000 the future of 25 churches was settled by appropriation to alternative uses—nine for residential use, four for community purposes, four for use by other Christian congregations, four for use for offices or for retail purposes, two for educational purposes, one for use by another faith body and one as a monument. The Commissioners usually impose covenants on the new owner of a redundant church restricting its use to that approved and prohibiting unauthorised architectural changes, the disturbance of any human remains or memorials, and demolition.