HC Deb 03 August 1897 vol 52 cc243-4
GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether tithe maps are the property of the parish councils or are ecclesiastical documents, and as such exempt from the provisions of Section 17, Sub-section (8) of the Local Government Act 1894?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER,) Isle of Wight

In the absence of special circumstances, I am of opinion that tithe maps are not ecclesiastical documents, but inasmuch as the question has been raised and is likely to be decided judicially, this view must be taken subject to the ultimate decision of the Court.