§ Mr. CoxTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with the Church Commissioners about possible financial assistance to ethnic community religious groups in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [43942]
§ Mr. BellMy hon. Friend will know from my answer of 30 November 2001 that in 2000—the latest year for which audited figures are available—the Commissioners made available £160 million to support the work of the Church of England, including a share to support the stipends of the serving ministry, targeted particularly on areas of need and opportunity. Within the Church of England there are many parishes with ethnic community religious groups that the Church seeks to serve.
The Church of England cultivates its connection with minority faith communities through its Inter Faith Concerns Group and has also contributed financially to the work of the Inner Cities Religious Council.
The Commissioners do not have a remit for Wales.