HC Deb 05 March 1925 vol 181 cc614-5
12. Mr. ELLIS DAVIES

asked the Home Secretary whether any and, if so, what property intended for the benefit of the Church under the Welsh Chuch Act has been transferred to the Church Representative Body?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Welsh Church Commissioners inform me that they have completed the transfer to the representative body of all the properties covered by Section 8 (1) (a) (iv) and (v) of the Welsh Church Act, 1914, and also of all private benefactions covered by Section 7 (3) and (4) of that Act. A number of Orders have also been made in special cases transferring to the representative body certain churches, ecclesiastical residences, private benefactions and lands scheduled under Section 18 (6) of the Act.

13. Mr. DAVIES

further asked the Home Secretary why the churchyards which under the Welsh Church Act were to be transferred to the local authorities have not been transferred to those authorities which have requested the transfers to be made to them in accordance with the provisions of the Act?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The Commissioners inform me that they are proceeding with all expedition to transfer those churchyards, or portions of churchyards, which the local authorities concerned have intimated their willingness to accept. Instructions are issued immediately on receipt of such an acceptance to the Land Valuation Department to make the necessary surveys and reports, and when these are received they are submitted for observations to the parties interested. In a very considerable number of cases further inquiries have been found to be necessary in connection with such matters as boundaries, rights of access and paths, etc. When substantial agreement is arrived at, the Commissioners are depositing draft orders and plans locally for inspection and issuing public notices, giving all persons interested a period of one calendar month for making any objections to the Orders or the plans. Certain of these notices have already been sent out for publication, and others are ready to be issued on receipt of replies from clerks of the authorities concerned. In the absence of any further difficulties, a number of transfers should take effect at an early date. It will be appreciated, however, that in view of possible complications, the Commissioners have to move with the greatest care in the matter.