HC Deb 17 July 1925 vol 186 cc1792-4

Considered in Committee under Standing Order No. 71A.

[Mr. JAMES EOPE in the Chair.]

Motion made, and Question proposed, That for the purpose of any Act of the present Session to amend the law relating to tithe rent-charge and other rent-charges, rents, and payments in lieu of tithe, and the payment of rates thereon, and for other matters connected therewith, it is expedient that there shall in each year be charged on and paid out of the Consolidated Fund or the growing produce thereof to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue such sum as the Treasury may certify to be payable by those Commissioners under the said Act in respect rates assessed on Queen Anne's Bounty as the owner of any tithe rent-charge vested in them under the said Act, after deducting therefrom Amounts not less than the following (that is to say): an amount equal to £5 for every £100 of tithe rent-charge previously attached to benefices which is liable to be rated, and which is for the time being vested in Queen Anne's Bounty, and an amount equal to £16 for every £100 of tithe rent-charge previously attached to ecclesiastical corporations which is so liable and vested."—[King's Recommendation signified.]

Mr. WOOD

I do not know whether it will be agreeable to hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite to take this Resolution now. It raises matters which are concerned with very full dis- cussions which are taking place upstairs, and with regard to which I believe we shall have ample opportunities for deliberation. The main point was discussed on the Second Reading of the Bill, and it is that this Resolution is necessary in order to make provision for the assumption by the Exchequer of a liability which at present falls on the other ratepayers in respect of tithes. I do not know whether it is desired that I should explain the matter in greater detail, but it is very fully set out in the White Paper, and it would probably be for the convenience of the Committee if I were not to delay them unduly, but express the willingness to answer any questions.

Sir HENRY SLESSER

This is the Resolution that is to oil the wheels of the Tithe Bill, which is proceeding with considerable disagreement over details upstairs. It has come on very late in the afternoon, and I am told a great deal of business has been accomplished to-day. The Resolution asks the House to agree to a scheme of redemption, but we feel that the memorandum distributed with the Financial Resolution requires more consideration than it is likely to receive this afternoon.

Ordered, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—[Commander Eyres Monsell.]

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday next (20th July).

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

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