HC Deb 25 June 1931 vol 254 c623
73. Mr. F. RILEY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to prevent the conveyance of land bearing tithe rentcharge without the liability being declared to the purchaser?

Dr. ADDISON

It is open to any purchaser of land to ascertain its liability to tithe renteharge by inspection of the original tithe apportionment at the offices of the Ministry, or the copy deposited in the parish, usually in the custody of the incumbent and churchwardens, but if a suitable opportunity arises I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.

80. Mr. LAWTHER

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to state the composition and date of the conference of parties affected to consider the releasing of agriculture from the burden of tithes, having regard to the fact that homes and holdings are being sold up in order to meet this tax?

Dr. ADDISON

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. Butler) on Monday, I am meeting some representatives of tithe owners this afternoon, and I am asking representatives of tithe payers to meet me. My object in calling these conferences is to see if there are any administrative difficulties in regard to the collection of tithe rentcharge which could be removed, but I do not propose to introduce legislation to relieve landowners of their due liability to tithe rentcharge.