HC Deb 30 January 2001 vol 362 c174W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the categories of ministers of religion who are barred from becoming hon. Members, indicating the statutory basis for their debarment; what plans he has to review the laws to revoke their prohibition; and if he will make a statement. [147703]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The statutory provisions which bar ministers of religion from becoming hon. Members are set out in the House of Commons (Clergy Disqualification) Act 1801 and section 9 of the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829. The clergy referred to in these two enactments areperson(s) having been ordained to the officer of priest or deacon, or being a minister of the Church of Scotland and person(s) in holy orders in the Church of Rome.

The House of Commons (Removal of Clergy Disqualification) Bill was introduced in the House on 25 January. It removes disqualification from membership of the House of Commons that arises by reason of a person having been ordained or being a minister of religious denomination, but continues the disqualification of Lords Spiritual.