§ MR. ARTHUR ARNOLDasked the First Lord of the Treasury, By what means it is proposed to raise the funds requisite for the repair of the fabrics of Westminster Abbey and Peterborough Cathedral; and, whether such an inquiry as to the lands and other property held by the Ecclesiastical Commission as was approved in principle by Her Majesty's Government on March 31st 1882, would not afford the best means of obtaining a satisfactory provision?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, he hoped the right hon. Gentleman would be able to answer, at the same time, the Question on the same subject that he placed on the Paper for Thursday next.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Perhaps I may answer at the same time the Question put by my hon. Friend, and also that proposed to be put to me upon the same subject on Thursday next by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Westminster. We have been for some time in communication upon this matter with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and with the Deans of Westminster and Peterborough; and during the present Session I hope to introduce a Bill which will deal with the general subject, including provision for the fabrics of the Abbey and the Cathedral of Peterborough. It would be premature to enter into details until the Bill is before Parliament.