§ 52. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the beginning of the present year there were in the Free Church of Scotland a total of ninety-eight vacancies out of a total of 174 churches or preaching stations; and whether he will consider, in these circumstances, the desirability of the Commission under the Churches (Scotland) Act, 1905, being again empowered to make a new allocation of property between the Free and the United Free Church of Scotland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I recently informed my hon. Friend, the statements of fact alleged by him are disputed by the authorities of the Free Church. In 1177 these circumstances I do not at present see my way to reopen the question.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the Prime Minister aware that out of twelve presbyteries of this Church in no fewer than eleven there are 50 per cent, or over of vacancies according to the official figures supplied, and in view of the facts of which I have given private information, will he not appoint a Committee to investigate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is disputed in point of fact by the authorities of the Free Church.
§ Mr. HOGGEIf I can give the Prime Minister accurate information that at the present moment one of the halls belonging to the Free Church and taken from the United Free Church is being used by a dancing master for dancing classes, and that the key is in the hands of a man who has been both in the Ecclesiastical and Criminal Courts, will he make inquiry?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly, that would be a very pertinent fact.