§ 39. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the expenditure of the head office of the Welsh Church Commission amounted to £13,444 for 1922, and is estimated at £14,000 per annum for the years 1923 and 1924; and whether, in view of the unsatisfactory financial position of the Commission, immediate steps will be taken to curtail this expenditure?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Bridgeman)I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question, but understand that the Commissioners anticipate a considerable reduction after 1924. The Commissioners assure me that they are continually giving their earnest consideration to possible economies in the cost of their administration of the Welsh Church Acts, but under existing conditions and in the present stage of their work they do not see how this expenditure can be reduced to any considerable extent.
§ 40. Mr. JONESfurther asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are reputable firms in Wales who are prepared to collect the tithe rentcharge payable to the Welsh Church Commission at an inclusive commission of 2½ per cent.; and whether, in the interests of economy, steps will be taken to invite offers for its collection at that rate?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Commissioners of Church Temporalities in Wales inform me that they have no knowledge of any reputable firm in Wales with experience of the work of tithe rentcharge collection which is prepared to undertake the collection and the work connected with it, at an inclusive commission of 2½ per cent. If, however, the names of any such firms are furnished to them, they will of course give them their serious consideration.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI do not think that advertising would necessarily bring reputable firms to the notice of the Commissioners. They will have to make further inquiries. I thought the hon. Gentleman had in his mind some firm who would do it, and the simplest plan would be to let the Commissioners know.