HC Deb 22 September 1915 vol 74 cc455-6
18. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state how many railway churches have been erected in India since 1905 wholly or partially at the expense of the Government of India; to what extent the cost of entire or partial construction has been borne upon the general revenues of India; whether any and, if so, how many of these railway churches are the property of the Government; and if he is prepared to reconsider the policy of allowing churches erected wholly or partially by Government contributions from the general revenues, to which the non-Christian inhabitants of the Empire contribute, to be reserved exclusively for denominational purposes?

Mr. ROBERTS

The number of railway churches erected in India since 1905, wholly or partly at the expense of the Government of India, is twenty-five, of which ten are the property of the Government. The amount borne by the revenues of India on account of the cost of the entire or partial construction of these churches has been £14,225, including £1,738 for sites. I am not prepared at the present time to reopen the question of the conditions under which Grants are given from Government revenues towards the construction of churches in India.

Mr. KING

Arising out of that very unsatisfactory reply, will the right hon. Gentleman consult the native members of the Viceroy's Council upon the policy which is indicated?

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask whether it is not the case that the natives of India respect their Christian rulers for respecting their own sects and denominations?

Mr. ROBERTS

I will represent the dissatisfaction of one hon. Member and the satisfaction of the other hon. Member to my right hon. Friend.

Sir J. JARDINE

May I ask whether these railway churches paid out of India revenue will not be consecrated so that they can be used by all denominations of Christians?

Mr. ROBERTS

I will convey that question to my right hon. Friend.

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