§ 33. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, what was the total cost to the Commissioners of the recent case in the Norwich Consistory Court?
§ Mr. DENMAN (Second Church Estates Commissioner)Payments on account of fees and disbursements amounting to £5,500 have been made by the Commissioners, but the amount remaining to be paid is not ascertained, as the bills of costs have not yet been delivered to the Commissioners.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan my hon. Friend say whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have any control at all with regard to these large bills presented to them?
§ Mr. DENMANNo, Sir. Unfortunately the Commissioners are in the ignoble position of having to pay the piper without being able to call the tune. I understand that the matter is to be brought before the Church Assembly, and I hope that some procedure will be devised which will be less costly and less injurious to the Church.