§ 69. Mr. COOKasked the Minister of Agriculture if the Government will open negotiations with the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty with a view to arriving at an agreement in relation to the payment of tithe, having regard to the depression in agriculture?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not propose to approach the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty in the matter to which my hon. Friend refers. I understand, however, that the governors have already announced that in cases of extreme necessity, where application is made to them and the facts are put before them, they are prepared to consider special arrangements for the settlement of arrears of tithe rentcharge payable to them by owner-occupiers of land in the areas particularly affected by the present depression, even where these arrangements might involve some remission.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEMay I ask whether the facts just stated by the right hon. Gentleman will be made public throughout the country, because a great number of people feel a deep sense of grievance in this matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe announcement to which I have referred was made on behalf of the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty by the Bishop of Ipswich in the Church Assembly on 1st February, 1932.