§ 46. Mr. KINGasked whether he is aware that information as to the Endowments of the four Welsh bishoprics based on facts, which the Ecclesiasistical Commissioners refused to disclose to the Royal Commission on the Welsh Church, was furnished privately to certain hon. Members of this House for the purposes of debate arising on 28th January; and what steps will be taken in order to secure that information in the hands of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners shall be fairly accessible to all Members requiring it? May I add that no reflection was intended on either of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners sitting in this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend should address this question to the representative of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in this House.
§ Sir RYLAND ADKINSHas the Government or this House any such right to receive or obtain information from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question.
§ Mr. KINGIf the right hon. Gentleman appoints any new Ecclesiastical Commissioners will he give them a hint upon this point?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is rather beyond my promise.
47. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked whether the Committee now sitting on imperial and local taxation has received an application from the guardians of the West Ham Union asking to be allowed to submit evidence of the increased burden of Poor Law and local rates; and whether it is the intention of the Government that, the Committee should refuse to hear such evidence before making their Report?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI understand that such an application has been received by the Committee, and that the guardians were invited to submit a memorandum. The question as to what evidence should be received is one for the decision of the Committee, and I have no power to interfere with their discretion.