§ 43. Mr. LEACHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that in connection with Holloway Gaol there is a minister of religion, appointed by the Islington Free Church Council to visit Nonconformist prisoners of all Free Church denominations except Wesleyan Methodists, and who has in three years dealt with 365 cases and has had as many as forty cases on hand at one time, and has never received any remuneration from the Government for his services; is he aware that in connection with the same gaol there are two clergymen, one of whom is provided with a house and a salary of between £300 and £400 a year, the other receives £200 a year, and a Roman Catholic priest who receives £100 a year; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The daily average number of Nonconformist prisoners, other than Wesleyans, in Holloway is in ordinary times about six, but last year, owing to the presence of suffragist prisoners, the average increased to twelve. The other clergy alluded to in the question have the spiritual care of far larger congregations; but if any application for payment is made by the Free Church Council or by the minister it shall be carefully considered.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of extending further this equitable system of concurrent endowment?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have nothing to add to the answer I have given.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware there are certain people going about saying that no State Church clergyman is paid by the State?