§ MR. W. KENNY (Dublin, St. Stephen's Green)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at what amount the Irish Church surplus now stands; what are the charges to which the fund is now subject; and what is the total amount of such charges?
MR. J. MORLEYAs explained in an answer to the hon. Member for North Paddington on May 11, 1893 (Parliamentary Debates, vol. xii., p. 633), it is not possible to give a simple answer as to the amount of surplus on the Irish Church Fund. Figures and observations as to the receipts and expenditure upon the Irish Church Account in 1892–3 will be found on page 17 of the last Report of the Irish Land Commission [C. 7056], and on pages 1 to 9 of the audited accounts of the Church temporalities for the same year (House of Commons, No. 503 of 1893–4). A statement of the charges (capital liabilities) will be found on p. 10 of the last-named account. An estimate for 1893–4 will be found on page 80 [C. 7056], upon which it may be observed that the anticipated deficit of £49,000 will be more than covered by the proceeds of sales. Perhaps the most convenient course would be that the hon. and learned Member should refer to these Papers, and ask for further information upon any point which may still not be clear to him.
§ MR. SEXTONMay I ask whether, in view of the forthcoming legislation, the right hon. Gentleman will suggest to the Land Commission to make an estimate of the present value of this fund and of the receipts and charges?
MR. J. MORLEYI think it is desirable that some statement should be made in view of any demand which may arise.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)Are we then to understand that evicted tenants will be paid out of the funds of the Church?