HC Deb 15 January 2003 vol 397 c652W
Dr. Evan Harris

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners if he will place in the Library a copy of the Register of Interests of the Church Commissioners; for what reason the Register of Interests of the Church Commissioners is not(a) available for inspection by the general public, (b) published and (c) available by photocopy on payment of a reasonable fee; and to what Government commitments to openness and freedom of information the Church of England is bound by reason if its establishment. [89655]

Mr. Bell

Although the Commissioners are not bound by the type of Government commitment to which the hon. Gentleman refers, the Board of Governors agreed in May 2000 to establish a members' Code of Conduct and Register of Interests in line with good practice.

This is freely available by appointment to any Member of Parliament, Government official or General Synod member, which reflects the Commissioners' accountability to both bodies.

I will arrange for a copy of it to be placed in the library.