HC Deb 15 September 2003 vol 410 cc523-4W
Norman Baker

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what the Commissioners' policy is in respect of genetically modified crops. [127227]

Mr. Bell

The Church Commissioners do not permit the growing of genetically modified crops on their land. This policy reflects advice offered by the Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group in 2000, endorsed by the Commissioners and available in full on the Church of England's website at http:// www.cofe.anglican.org/view/gmos.rtf. The House of Commons Library holds a copy.

The group will keep its advice to the Church Commissioners under review in the light of any new evidence, and scientific peer group commentary upon it, arising from the three-year programme of farm scale trials. The Church Commissioners will consider any new advice offered by the group in due course.

Norman Baker

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what the total annual expenditure on bishops' residences was in each year from 1998. [127221]

Mr. Bell

The Church Commissioners' expenditure on bishops' housing and office premises in each year from 1999 is as follows:

The Commissioners also fund bishops' office and working costs, and housing and office premises costs for diocesan bishops.

Bishops' emoluments £ million As a percentage of

Commissioners'

total expenditure
1999 3.5 2.2
2000 3.5 2.2
2001 3.8 2.4
2002 4.0 2.4

Norman Baker

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners how many and what percentage of bishops had the use of a chauffeur in May(a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002 and (d) 2003; what the total cost was in current prices in each year: and how many chauffeurs in each year were (i) part-time and (ii) full-time. [127217]

Mr. Bell

The position is as follows:

£ million
1998 3.0
1999 3.3
2000 3.0
2001 3.3
2002 3.4

As is indicated in note 13 to the Commissioners' annual financial statements, these costs cover building maintenance and repairs, external property management costs, staff costs including salaries and pensions, council tax, insurance and other running costs, Lambeth Palace Library running costs, support services, depreciation, rent paid and rental income. Capital expenditure on existing houses or on acquiring replacement houses is not included.