HC Deb 25 May 1909 vol 5 c1020
Mr. F. E. SMITH

asked the Prime Minister whether the pledge given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a correspondent that the Welsh Church Disestablishment Bill will be taken through all its stages in the House of Commons and sent to the House of Lords this Session represents the present policy of the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not aware that any pledge of the kind has been given.

Mr. F. E. SMITH

May I ask whether his attention has been called to a statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer:— You ask me whether, if this Parliament runs its normal course, it is the intention of the Government to pass a measure for the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church in Wales through all stages in the House of Commons. To this I can give an unqualified answer in the affirmative…. I have just seen the Prime Minister— (that is the late Prime Minister)— and he fully sanctions the above as an accurate interpretation of his views. May I ask whether he is aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer in explaining—

Mr. SPEAKER

These questions should not be raised without giving notice.