§ 72. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that two farms in the parish of Llanbister, Radnorshire, named Holly-bush and Nantagelly, are assessed to tithe rent-charge, though these farms are composed of land formerly common until enclosed from the Melenydd Mountain about 1762; and whether tithe levied in this and similar cases will be treated as an ancient endowment under the Established Church (Wales) Bill?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information on this matter other than that given in the question, but assuming the facts to be as stated, the tithe would be treated under the Bill as an ancient endowment, i.e., as other than a private benefaction.
§ 77. Mr. KINGasked if the right hon. Gentleman will state how much land in Wales enclosed under Enclosure Acts dur- 2294 ing the last 150 years is assessed to tithe rent-charge; and whether all tithe in Wales is assumed to be for the purposes of the Established Church (Wales) Bill an ancient endowment dating from previous to 1662?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am unable to state the amount of land in Wales enclosed under Enclosure Acts during the last 150 years assessed to tithe rent-charge, but I am in communication with the Board of Agriculture, who are making inquiries into the matter. Tithe rent-charge which is the proceeds of private benefactions since 1662, or is the proceeds of English moneys, is not assumed to be an ancient endowment for the purposes of the Established Church (Wales) Bill. The amount of tithe rent-charge of ancient character is given in the Return presented to the House of Commons on the 21st of November this year.
§ Colonel YATEAre lay rectors who happen to hold these tithes to be deprived of them as well as ministers of religion?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. Lay tithes are not touched.
§ Viscount WOLMERAre not lay tithes taxes and national property?