YORK Minster's acting Dean, Glyn Webster, has hit back at former Canon John Toy for speaking out over the cathedral's finances.

Canon Webster said he was "extremely disappointed" in Mr Toy for the "un-Christian" way he went public about alleged "misguided extravagance" at the cathedral during its descent into financial crisis.

Mr Toy, who retired in 1999, spoke of his regret at accepting "overgenerous perks" while Raymond Furnell was Dean of York, including membership of an exclusive London gentlemen's club, costing up to £400 a year.

"It's not the Christian way for a priest to speak out in this way," Mr Webster said.

"He (Mr Toy) had every opportunity to comment when he was at the Minster.

"All the finances were transparent. Dean Furnell did not have expensive tastes.

"For many years his wife did all the catering at the Deanery."

At a press conference yesterday, the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, said the Minster was in good hands today. He refuted any suggestion of financial mismanagement or any question of the misappropriation of funds.

Chapter Steward Brigadier Peter Lyddon said Canon Toy's claim that Minster officials "didn't always know what was being spent" was "mystifying". Brigadier Lyddon said the Minster Chapter was given detailed monthly accounts that were closely scrutinised.

But Canon Toy said today he stood by his decision to speak out.

"I have no regrets whatsoever about coming forward," he told the Evening Press.

"I'm not surprised that they have refuted what I've said.

"The trust of the public is absolutely necessary and this all helps to restore that.

"Mr Furnell was very free with his expenditure - too free. It was a well-known fact at the time.

"I'm very glad that the Minster has now got itself in order, and I'm delighted that the Minster library has been saved."

Dr Hope said he had not been aware of the alleged perks, including membership of the gentleman's club.

Mr Furnell has consistently declined to comment.

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, June 24, 2003