HC Deb 06 February 2002 vol 379 c1010W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners (1) what was the average length of retirement for clergy who serve until the mandatory retirement in the last 10 years; [32675]

(2) what the average age of retirement of clergy was in the last 10 years; and what their average length of retirement was. [32674]

Mr. Bell

Clergy are generally obliged by law to retire no later than the age of 70. In practice, most do so at or fairly soon after the normal minimum pension age of 65.

The following table gives data for clergy retirements and deaths in 2001 and in 1993—the earliest year for which details are readily obtainable—(1) for those who retired at or after age 65 and (2) for all cases including early retirements whether voluntarily or on grounds of ill-health. Complete statistics on which to base a 10-year average are not available.

Derek Conway

I am pleased to announce that in the short term the statue of the right hon. the Baroness Thatcher will be loaned to the Corporation of London for display at the Guildhall. Work is under way to identify a suitable site in the Guildhall complex.

In the longer term, the statue will be displayed in the Palace of Westminster. Hon. Members will wish to know that Mr. Speaker has amended the "10-year rule", governing the display of representations of politicians in the main building of the Palace. A portrait, bust or statue of a politician other than a Prime Minister may be displayed once 10 years have passed after their death. A portrait, bust or statue of a former Prime Minister may now be displayed either once five years have passed after their death, or after the elapse of three Parliaments (with the proviso that this should be a minimum of 12 years) after they have left this House, whichever of these events comes first. There remain no restrictions on the siting of representations of living politicians in the outbuildings of the Palace.

The Accommodation and Works Committee will make a recommendation to Mr. Speaker on the siting of the statue at an appropriate time.