Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Chris Bryant (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 6 December 2005 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Patronage

Question: To return to ecclesiastical livings—not that I have any intention of doing so myself—is it not a bit of a 19th-century anachronism still to have a politician involved in the appointment of people to livings? In fact, it is not even 19th-century, but 17th-century or 16th-century. We might even end up with a Roman Catholic or an atheist naming people to Church of England livings. Would not that be a little curious? Is not this a load of old Trollope that we should put an end to?

Answer: I do not wear my faith on my sleeve but, as a Roman Catholic, I am interested in that suggestion. My hon. Friend is right to say that this is part of an historical tradition. It dates back not to the 19th century but to the time of the English civil war and other periods of English history. We are in a process of continued modernisation across Government. In the Courts Act 2003, we surrendered important powers in the appointment of magistrates. I suspect that the new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, perhaps in conjunction with my hon. Friend, may wish to consider some detailed continued modernisation of those historical—some would say quaint—powers.

Secondary information