§ Mr. HUNTasked whether any of the endowments of parishes in Shropshire or in other parts of England will be decreased after the passing of the Established Church (Wales) Bill?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The endowments of parishes situated wholly in England will in no way be affected by the Bill. In the case of parishes situated partly in Wales and partly in England, it will be the duty of the Welsh Commissioners as soon as possible after the passing of the Act, to determine, with reference to the general wishes of parishioners whether the parish is to be treated as wholly within or without Wales or Monmouthshire. When their decision is made, the parish shall for the purposes of the Act be treated accordingly. Any parishioner, however, may appeal against the order of the Commissioners to His Majesty in Council.
§ Mr. HUNTCan the right hon. Gentleman say how the wishes of the parishioners are to be ascertained?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Member would give notice of the question I would much rather—
§ Mr. STANIERMay I ask if parishes in Shropshire outside Wales, which are not affected by the Welsh Disestablishment, have endowments in Wales, will they be affected?
§ Mr. McKENNAOh, no.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXWill the right hon. Gentleman put into the Bill a definition of parishioner?
§ Mr. McKENNAPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a question.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLAm I to understand that, although this is a point necessary to decide under the Bill, it has never been taken into consideration or the machinery in order to carry it out?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, but it is quite impossible to conduct a Committee Debate in answer to questions, and I would very much rather if hon. Gentlemen would put questions down.