§ 17. Mr. GULLANDasked the Minister of Munitions why in Scotland money contributions towards the erection of churches have been given to the extent of £6,500 to the Episcopal Church, £5,500 to the Roman Catholic Church, and only £4,000 for the combined use of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland; and for what purpose the unallocated balance of £1,500 is to be given?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Grants to the various churches at Gretna and Eastriggs are as stated in the question. The lower Grant to the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church is explained by the fact that they have not built a church at Eastriggs. An application for an additional Grant will receive favourable consideration if and when they propose to build there.
§ Mr. GULLANDIs the hon. Gentleman aware that for the churches at Gretna the Episcopal Church got £5,500, as compared with £4,000 for the Presbyterian Church?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSYes; I am aware of that.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSGrants were made for these churches because a large new population was brought into this area, and it was thought to be desirable to attend to their spiritual needs.
§ Sir H. CRAIKCan the hon. Gentleman explain why the largest Grants were made to the smaller churches?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Grants were proportionate to the number of the people of the faith at the place, and 13 also proportionate to the amount of money that was to be provided from private sources for the churches.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand that the policy of concurrent endowment of all churches is part of the policy of the Ministry of Reconstruction?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThat question; must be addressed to the Minister of Reconstruction.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am not sure that I can answer that without notice.
§ Mr. SNOWDENAre these Grants absolute gifts or only loans?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThese are gifts.