§ Mr. WATTasked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the Church Commission have allocated to the United Free Church all moneys which had belonged to the Jewish Committee of the Free Church; that these moneys, though allocated, are delayed payment month after month; and that meantime the United Free Church are forced to borrow money and pay interest thereon for the purposes of the above committee; and, if so, will he take steps to insist on speedy payment by the Commission of part at least of the allocated moneys?
§ Mr. UREI am aware that the funds belonging to the Jewish Committee have been allocated to the United Free Church, but these moneys, being included among the invested funds held by the general trustees, the formal Order of the Commission, which is necessary to complete the transfer of the securities, cannot in their case be issued until the general accounting between the churches has been brought to a conclusion. I am informed that, this accounting, which was placed in the hands of a specially qualified accountant, with the position of Assistant Commissioner, is now well advanced. I am also informed that several large payments to account have been made by the Free Church, the latest amounting to £100,000, thus anticipating to some extent the desire expressed by the hon. Member.