§ 70. Mr. HOAREasked if the Home Secretary will state what steps he has taken to fulfil the undertaking, given to the hon. Member for Chelsea on 28th January and 3rd February, 1913, to inquire into certain properties formerly owned by the chapters of Gloucester and Westminster and now annexed to Welsh benefices, and, in the event of his being satisfied that the properties are English in origin, to amend the Established Church (Wales) Bill so as to ensure their retention by the Representative Body?
§ Mr. McKENNAI suggested during the discussion of this question on the 28th January and 3rd February, 1913, that it might be necessary, if the Amendment of the hon. Member for Chelsea was pressed, to reopen a number of other questions with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In accordance with the undertaking I gave to the House, I discussed this and a number of other matters with the secretary to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and subsequently addressed a number of questions to the Commissioners. On their reply I came to the conclusion that to reopen the question might result in a very protracted inquiry, and I decided to allow the matter to remain where it was.
§ Mr. HOAREDoes that mean that the right hon. Gentleman is going to take no steps to carry out the pledge as to readjusting these finances?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have carried out every pledge that I gave.
§ Mr. HOAREDoes that mean that under the provisions of the Bill a certain part of admittedly English property will be appropriated by the State?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. That property is not admitted to be English property.