§ MR. J. D. WHITE (Dumbartonshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, what was the cost of the Government garrison Church at Colaba, Bombay, and by whom it was paid; what is the annual cost of maintaining that church, and by whom it is paid; whether the Presbyterian soldiers of the regiment of Royal Scots, and soldiers belonging to other non-episcopal denominations, have been refused the use of the church at hours which would not conflict with the present services; if so, on whose authority such leave was refused, and on what grounds; and whether steps will be taken to ensure something approximating equal opportunities for soldiers of all denominations in those garrison churches in India which have been built and are maintained by public money.
§ MR. MORLEYThe cost was mot by private subscription and public revenues combined; it is maintained at the expense of the State. I do not know the actual amount. As to Presbyterian and other non-Anglican soldiers, I gave an Answer to a similiar Question on Monday.‡Permission to use the church regularly for Presbyterian services was withheld by the Bishop of Bombay, with whom the decision is held by law to lie, on the ground that a Presbyterian church was available during the cold weather. Arrangements have now been made, as to India generally, which will ensure in future adequate church accomodation for soldiers of all denominations.