§ 46. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the fact that there are nearly 100 vacancies in the pulpits of the Free Church of Scotland; and whether, in view of the failure to administer trust funds in this case, he proposes to take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to secure that the intentions of the Commission under the Churches (Scotland) Act, 1905, shall be carried out?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am informed that the statements of fact alleged by the hon. Member are disputed by the authorities of the Free Church. The question of Government action does not therefore at present arise, and I hope it never will.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it not the case that seven years have elapsed since this Commission originally delimited the boundaries of the Free Church in Scotland, and is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in towns like Aberdeen congregations have not got ministers, and does he not think that the time has now arrived when the Commission should again delimit the boundaries of this Church in Scotland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like notice of that question.