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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Philip Davies (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 25 October 2012 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Diocese of Leeds

Question

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer. We all appreciate that savings need to be made, but with the proposed abolition of the Bradford diocese and its incorporation into a larger Leeds diocese, what steps will be taken to ensure that the communities across the Bradford district will not be given less priority in the Church of England?

Answer

May I suggest to my hon. Friend that he discuss his concerns with the Bishop of Bradford, who I am sure will be able to reassure him that the Christian and Church of England mission in his constituency will in no way be diminished by these proposals? One of the greatest threats to the Church’s mission in his constituency is the continuing theft of lead from churches. No fewer than six churches in his constituency have had lead stolen from their roofs—St Peter’s church in Shipley has had lead stolen on four separate occasions, notwithstanding protections such as SmartWater. So may I take this opportunity to entreat my hon. Friend, as I know the Bishop of Bradford

and the Archbishop of York will, not to frustrate the Third Reading of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill when it comes before the House soon?

Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
551 c1067 
Session
2012-13
Oral question type
1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Church of England Leeds
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk