§ MR. KENYON (Denbigh, &c.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If he can now state the name of the Commissioner to be appointed to inquire into the Anti-Tithe Disturbances at Mochdre, and the terms of Reference?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)An experienced police magistrate, Mr. Bridge, is the Commissioner who will inquire upon the spot into the origin, extent, and character of the disturbances which have occurred at Mochdre and other places in North Wales in connection with the levying of tithes, and into the conflicts which accompanied those disturbances, and who will report to me his opinion thereon.
§ MR. OSBORNE MORGAN (Denbighshire, E.)When will the inquiry take place?
§ MR. MATTHEWSVery promptly, Sir. I am still making arrangements, 72 and will make a further statement to the House.
§ MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionethshire)Will the Commissioner examine into the circumstances of the case now being inquired into by the magistrates?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI should like if the hon. Member will give Notice of the Question.
§ MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionethshire)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether, in view of the fact that the promised inquiry into the Mochdre tithe disturbance has been enlarged in its scope so as to include the origin of tithe riots in Wales, the Government will appoint an additional Lay Commissioner to take evidence in various disturbed districts?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I have, as the House already knows, obtained the consent of an experienced police magistrate, Mr. Bridge, to hold this inquiry. I think one experienced and well-qualified Commissioner is a sufficient and satisfactory tribunal; but I hope to obtain the services of a gentleman thoroughly conversant with the Welsh language to act as Secretary to the Commissioner. Upon him will largely devolve the task of collecting and marshalling the evidence.