What percentage of ordinands ordained in the last 12 months are women.

Some 47 per cent.

Is it not noteworthy that the first two people whom Jesus met after the resurrection were Mary and Martha? When will the House of Bishops make proposals that will enable the General Synod to resolve that the head of a woman is as worthy of the hands of apostolic succession as is the head of a man?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his reference to those historical events. This is the first Maundy Thursday that we have had Church Commissioners questions, and I wish you, Mr. Speaker, and the House a happy Easter.

General Synod has already agreed that the legal obstacles to the ordination of women bishops can be removed, and a legislative drafting group, chaired by the Bishop of Manchester, is trying to identify possible ways of doing that, including arrangements for those who are conscientiously unable to accept the ministry of women bishops. It has consulted widely. We hope that the General Synod will refer to the matter again in its July meeting.