HC Deb 13 May 1912 vol 38 c772
Mr. HUNT

asked whether, after the passing of the Established Church (Wales) Bill, the income of any of the Welsh clergymen or curates would in the future be reduced to less than the coal miners minimum wage of 5s. per day on account of the £173,000 per annum transferred from Welsh endowments to a museum and other secular objects?

Mr. McKENNA

It is impossible to form any estimate of the future income of either Welsh clergymen or curates, as so much of the income, both now and hereafter, depends on the generosity of the voluntary subscribers to the Church of England.

Mr. HUNT

If the voluntary subscriptions are so uncertain, why are the Government reducing the present small certain incomes to what are practically starvation wages?

Mr. McKENNA

I trust that the hon. Member is quite mistaken in supposing that the voluntary subscriptions of the Church of England are quite uncertain.

Mr. HUNT

Did not the right hon. Gentleman himself say that they were uncertain?

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is the work of a curate more important than the work of a collier? If not, why is it assumed, as it is in the question, that he should have a higher wage?

Mr. McKENNA

That depends upon the particular case of curate and collier.