THE clergy should be given the right to appeal to an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal, Brian Iddon has told the Church of England.

Now it looks as though his suggestion could become reality.

The Bolton South East MP took up the issue with Church Commissioner Stuart Bell in the Commons this week.

He is also campaigning to get registrars of births, marriages and deaths, and rent officers the same right.

Dr Iddon asked Mr Bell: "In improving the clergy's conditions of service, will you consider allowing them to go to an industrial tribunal if they are unfairly dismissed?"

Mr Bell replied: "Yes. That point has been raised and many MPs have supported that position.

"The point is being taken into account by various bodies within the Church and I am hopeful, that, over a longer period, we shall have the result you would like."

Dr Iddon told the BEN: "I am National Patron of the Society of Registration Officers. I am trying to get them the right to go to an industrial tribunal if they are unfairly dismissed. They are one of three groups who do not have it. The others are rent officers and the clergy."