§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Home Secretary whether the Representative Body established by the Established Church; whether the Representative Body or elected by laymen who are not communicants of the now Established Church, whether the Representative Body or the Synod will have power to decide who is and who is not a member of the Church in Wales within the meaning of the Act; whether the Synod will be composed of lay as well as clerical representatives, and in what proportion; and who will summon and preside over the Synod?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Representative Body will be incorporated by charter. The condition precedent to such incorporation is that His Majesty must be satisfied that the Body has been elected to represent the bishops, clergy, and laity of the Church. The constitution drawn up by the Synod will decide who is or is not a member of the Church in Wales. Following the precedent of the Irish Act, the composition of the first Synod is not determined by the Bill, but if it is desired to insert specific provisions, I shall be glad to do so.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINMay I ask with whom it will rest to advise His Majesty as to whether this Body is really representative of the Church in Wales; does the Home Secretary propose to tender advice on that subject?
§ Mr. McKENNAOf course the Home Secretary before tendering advice will take care to be himself advised by some competent third person.
§ Lord ROBERT CECILWho will be the electors of the Representative Body, and how, under the Bill, is it proposed to arrive at a definition of who are members of the Church in Wales?
§ Mr. LANE-FOXWill the right hon. Gentleman put into the Bill a definition of what a layman is?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have already said that I shall be prepared to put in a definition if it is thought desirable that I should do so; but there are obvious objections to taking that course.
§ Mr. LANE-FOXIf a definition is put in will not a religious census be necessary?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. That has nothing to do with the question.