§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners how much was spent maintaining church graveyards in each of the last three years. [158940]
§ Sir Stuart BellSuch information is not held centrally. Responsibility for maintenance of churchyards lies with the Parochial Church Council. Grants may be available from local authorities, since they have a special power to contribute to maintenance. Where a churchyard has been closed by Order in Council, the PCC may transfer the maintenance burden to the local authority.