HC Deb 19 July 1883 vol 281 cc1903-4
SIR JOHN R. MOWBRAY

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government are aware that the Naval and Military Forces of the Crown at Hong Kong have hitherto been accustomed to avail themselves of the ministrations of the Church of England there in buildings which have been provided by individual members of the community in consideration of the Grant made for the maintenance of public worship; and, whether, having regard to these facts, and to the necessity of making some provision for the spiritual wants of the Garrison, and, further, to the strong feeling which has been expressed in a petition presented to the Governor, and signed by many persons of all classes and creeds at Hong Kong against the withdrawal of the Grant, Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to reconsider their proposal for its withdrawal?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Sir, the buildings referred to were only partially provided by private efforts. The Colonial Government contributed no less than two-thirds of the estimated cost. The question which had to be decided in 1881 was a choice between concurrent endowment and disendowment, as the Roman Catholics, who are in a majority among the Christians at Hong Kong, started the subject, and complained of the inequality of their treatment. After carefully perusing the representations of the petitioners referred to, the Secretary of State does not feel justified in reversing the decision arrived at and announced by his Predecessor two years ago.

MR. COLERIDGE KENNARD

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, after the withdrawal of the Government Grant in aid of Church services in Hong Kong, the Military authorities will have further claim to the use of the Cathedral for church parades; and, if not, whether due provision has been made for the holding of garrison Protestant Church services elsewhere?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Sir, the cathedral is vested in trustees. In the Army Estimates £510 is provided for the pay of officiating clergy, and $500 is annually contributed to the expenses of the building. We have every reason to believe that in the future, as in the past, the building will be open to the troops; but the amount of military contribution may, perhaps, when the time arrives, have to be further considered.