In section 31 (pastoral schemes: creation of parishes etc.), after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

A pastoral scheme providing for the creation of a new parish may include provision for securing representation of the new parish on the deanery synod during the period which—

(a)

begins with the creation of the new parish, and

(b)

ends with the next ordinary election of parochial representatives from that parish under Rule 19 of the Church Representation Rules.”

After section 103 (the title to which becomes “ Provisions where there is no incumbent, archdeacon etc. ”) insert—

“103AParochial church council with insufficient members

(1)

This section applies where a parochial church council has no members or not enough members to be able to form the quorum for a meeting (see Rule M27 of the Church Representation Rules).

(2)

The provisions of this Measure, so far as they apply to the council, are (subject to subsection (3)) to have effect—

(a)

as if the minister and churchwardens of the parish acting jointly were the council, or

(b)

if there is no minister, as if the churchwardens of the parish acting jointly were the council.

(3)

If there are no churchwardens, the provisions of this Measure, so far as they apply to the council, are to have no effect.

(4)

Each of the functions of an officer of the council under this Measure is to be exercised by such person as the bishop may appoint.”