HC Deb 01 July 1926 vol 197 cc1329-30
27. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any special conditions are attached to the exemption of places of worship from taxation in regard to the use made of them for political purposes and party attacks?

Mr. McNEILL

Places used exclusively for Divine worship are not liable to Income Tax under Schedule A.

Commander BELLAIRS

Have there not been several instances where they have been used for political purposes?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. Gentleman consider in this regard the question of taxation where Conservatives are known to have attacked other parties?

Mr. HOPKINSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration to any chapel where disgusting and blasphemous speeches are made by right hon. Gentlemen?

Captain BENN

Might I call your attention, Mr. Speaker, on a point of Order, to the fact that the hon. Gentleman the Member for Mossley (Mr. Hopkinson), apparently without notice, has seen fit to introduce the words "disgusting and blasphemous" in regard to a speech made by a right hon. Friend of mine. Might I ask whether you desire to make any comment on it?

Mr. SPEAKER

I did rise instantly to stop the hon. Member when I heard his adjectives. The use of adjectives at Question time is disorderly, as I have repeatedly ruled.

Mr. HOPKINSON

I bow to your ruling, Sir, and, therefore, withdraw the expression here. I will use it outside instead.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it possible that the right hon. Gentleman made the speech under the Blasphemy Laws?