Written question asked by Bill O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 1999. It was answered by Stuart Bell (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 1999 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Church Commissioners

Question: To ask the honourable Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the proportion of the annual Church Commissioners' revenue allocated to clergy pensions; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the proportion of the annual Church Commissioners' revenue allocated to clergy pensions; and if he will make a statement. [101991] Mr. Stuart Bell: In 1998 (the latest year for which figures are available), the Commissioners spent £85 million on clergy pension benefits. They also contributed £23 million to help dioceses take on the cost of pension contributions under the new clergy pension scheme established in 1998, as well as paying the contributions for clergy for whom the Commissioners are responsible. The total expenditure on pensions and pension contributions was £110 million, which was 69 per cent. of the Commissioners' overall expenditure.

Secondary information