§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many appointments to benefices and other ecclesiastical appointments are subject to the patronage of the Lord Chancellor; and what changes have been made in the arrangements for these appointments. [121026]
§ Mr. LeslieThere are approximately 500 benefices, and 12 cathedral canonries, of which the Lord Chancellor is patron. The arrangements for these appointments currently remain unchanged with the appointment of my noble and learned Friend Lord Falconer of Thoroton as the Lord Chancellor. This will be looked at during the transitional period.