MR. J. G. HUBBAED (London)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the statements contained in an article in the Daily News of the 23rd August, headed "The Tithe War in Wales," are founded on fact; whether tithe rent-charge is a legal primary charge upon lands, subject to no other variation than that provided by the Commutation Act of 1836; whether he can state the per-centage of the original commutation now payable under the heavy fall of prices on the septennial average; whether the demand of a further abatement from the tithe of 25 per cent, in the parish of Llanarmon was accompanied by threats; and, whether he will therefore move the proper authorities to take the necessary measures for protecting the clergy from annoyance?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir; I am informed that the article to which my right hon. Friend refers is 655 founded on fact, and that the statements therein are true. Tithe rent-charge, subject only to the variation provided by the Act of 1836, is a legal charge upon lands. I am informed by the Land Commissioners that the amount payable on the septennial average for the year 1886 in respect of each £100 of tithe rent-charge as commuted is something over £90, or about 9½ per cent reduction from the original commutation. The duty of maintaining order rests upon the Local Authorities; if the clergy require protection I have no doubt it will be afforded to them.