§ 53. Mr. HOLTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what provisions of the Vote of Credit the Government consider themselves to be authorised to grant money for the erection of churches in the neighbourhood of munition works?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)The Grants towards the cost of erection of churches were made as desirable in view of the conditions created by the War.
§ Mr. HOLTMay I ask the hon. Gentleman to refer me to the terms of the Vote of Credit which he says authorises it?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThese are the words of the Vote of Credit.
§ Mr. GULLANDIs it not a fact that the Ministry of Munitions, as employers at these munition works, also spend a great deal of money in the erection of cinemas and recreation halls?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI believe they do.
§ Mr. ROCHMay I ask whether these Grants are made only to the Established Church or to all denominations?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI must refer my hon. Friend to previous replies which have given the details.
§ Mr. HOLTIs it the view of the Ministry of Munitions that a Vote of Credit authorises them to spend money on any single thing which they think is desirable?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, my hon. Friend must not understand that. The words are "desirable in view of the conditions created by the War."
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs there any right under a Vote of Credit to take a departure of policy involving the endowment of churches?