HC Deb 09 May 1912 vol 38 cc570-1
Viscount WOLMER

asked whether the tithe-rent charge at present held by lay impropriators in Wales was national property; and whether it was proposed to confiscate this for State purposes under the Established Church (Wales) Bill?

Mr. McKENNA

Any opinion that the lay impropriators of tithe-rent charge are in possession of national property would apply with equal force to the property formerly ecclesiastical in character and now held by the descendants of the expropriators of the old monastic foundations. If the Noble Lord thinks that all this property should be restored to the nation, the Committee stage of the Bill may perhaps afford an opportunity to consider his suggestion.

Viscount WOLMER

Will the Government support an Amendment to treat all ancient ecclesiastical property in Wales on the same footing?

Mr. McKENNA

When I see the Amendment I will consider it.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question definitely?

Mr. HEWINS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman's answer inaccurate, seeing that the possessors of these lands were confirmed in their title by the Act of 1554?

Mr. McKENNA

I believe that the title of other owners of ecclesiastical property has also been confirmed by Act of Parliament.

Mr. ROCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman give any assistance in his power to those holders of such property who wish voluntarily now to restore it to the Church?

Viscount WOLMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question?

Mr. McKENNA

If the Noble Lord reads and studies my reply, he will see that I have answered it.