§ 52. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Home Secretary what is the total amount of tithes payable to the Welsh Church Commissioners from the diocese of Bangor and how such tithe was collected during the year 1931; whether any advertisement appeared inviting applications for the post of collector; if so, in what papers such advertisement appeared; and whether there are any special reasons why Messrs. Boscawen and Richmond, of Wrexham, in the diocese of St. Asaph, were appointed to collect the tithes of the diocese of Bangor?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe total annual commuted amount of tithe rentcharge payable to the Welsh Church Commissioners from the diocese of Bangor is approximately £34,600, the present value of which is approximately £36,350. During the year 1931, this tithe rent-charge was collected directly from the Commissioners' head office. No advertisements were issued inviting applications 1787 for the appointment of new collectors. The firm in question was appointed as it was already collecting tithe rentcharge of the commuted value of approximately £2,300 a year for the Commissioners. They have handled this work very efficiently, and possess an intimate acquaintance with agricultural conditions in North Wales.
§ Mr. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Boscawen is a brother of the Chairman of the Welsh Church Commissioners?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware of that; I know nothing of it.