§ 61. Mr. MATTERSasked the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring, as representing the Charity Commissioners, 398 if his attention has been drawn to the proposed sale of the Regent Baptist Church, in Ethelred Street, Kennington, the property of the Commissioners; and whether it is proposed that this sacred edifice is to be used in future for commercial purposes?
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSON (Charity Commissioner)The Regent Baptist Chapel is vested in and administered by the London Baptist Property Board. At the request of that Board the Commissioners on 9th instant made an Order authorising the sale of the chapel for £1,200 subject with regard to such portion as has been set apart for the purposes of interment to all statutory restrictions affecting the user thereof and to the condition that the graves in such portion shall not be disturbed except under competent authority. The solicitors to the London Baptist Property Board were informed by the purchaser that if the property should be sold to him it would be used entirely for religious purposes.
§ Mr. MATTERSIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the report which has been circulated in my constituency that this chapel may be used as a talking-film studio?
§ Mr. RICHARDSONI can only say that our information is to the effect that this building will be used for religious purposes and religious purposes only.
§ Mr. THURTLEHas the reported use of this sacred edifice for commercial purposes evoked any protest from the Russian Soviet Government?