HC Deb 22 July 1878 vol 241 cc2050-1
DR. CAMERON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, notwithstanding the special constitution and objects and the very wide powers of Queen Anne's Bounty Board, the affairs of that trust are still, as reported by the Select Committee of the House of Commons in 1868— Practically under the management of a small number of the Bishops, with the occasional assistance of a few laymen; And, whether any steps have been or will be taken to give effect to the recommendations of that Select Committee, regard being had to the fact that the season is approaching when the meetings of the Board are usually suspended for a period of four months?

MR. ASSHETON CROSS,

in reply, said, the composition of this Board was fully set out in the Report alluded to by the hon. Member. The Board consisted of a large number of laymen as well as Bishops. The Select Committee, in their Report, expressed regret that a large number of lay members did not take part in the proceedings of the Board; but they added that the business of the Board appeared to be carefully and well conducted. He might add an expression of his personal regret that the lay members of the Board did not take a larger share in the work which it had to do. He thought it would be well if summonses were issued to all members of Board.