§ 41. Sir Robert Birdasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the view that the Welsh Church Commission has, for some time, effectively completed the task for which it was appointed; and will he, therefore, consider introducing legislation to dissolve the commission on grounds of national economy?
§ Mr. PeakeI have been asked to reply. The Welsh Church Commission has not completed its task, nor is it possible for it to do so for some years. The Commission is now actively engaged with a depleted staff on the complicated work necessary before the property now vested in it can be transferred to the beneficiaries entitled to receive it under the provisions of the Welsh Church Acts, 1914 and 1919.
§ Sir H. Morris-JonesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of this Commission gets £1,500 a year for one hour's work a month?
§ Mr. PeakeI will certainly look into that question, but the Commission is a very small body, and there is only one paid Commissioner. The cost, I am informed, is a very small figure.
§ Sir R. BirdIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the work of this Commission to-day consists solely of dealing with minor parochial matters, which could well be carried out by some other body?
§ Mr. PeakeNo, Sir, I do not think that the work carried out by this body could be carried out more cheaply by any other body. The Commission moreover have other functions to perform, including valuation of the property vested in them and the transfer of the property to the parties entitled to receive it.