§ 5.48 p.m.
§ The LORD ADVOCATEI beg to move, in page 10, line 17, to leave out from the word "until,"to the end of line 18, and to insert instead thereof the words:
a vacancy in the benefice occurring after that date shall have been filled.In Committee, the hon. Member for Stirling (Mr. J. Reid) raised the question whether the Bill as it stood conserved the rights of the widow of the incumbent of a benefice in the case where under the existing law the widow has a right to Ann. We have considered the matter and we have taken the view that it is desirable that the rights of widows of existing incumbents ought to be saved and I move this Amendment in order to give effect to that purpose.
§ 5.50 p.m.
§ Mr. J. REIDI welcome the decision of the Government to safeguard the rights of widows and children, but I have some doubt whether the Amendment is really effective for the purpose. Let me put a concrete instance of what I mean. Supposing a minister dies on 15th May and the new minister is inducted, let us say, in July. As I understand it, the period during which the deceasing minister's 1729 widow and children will receive Ann is from 15th May to the date when the new minister comes in. That is the meaning of the Government Amendment, as I understand it. What I proposed was that the existing situation should continue. If I can be assured that I have misunderstood the Amendment I shall be satisfied, but I should have thought it did not preserve the rights in all cases.
§ 5.51 p.m.
§ The LORD ADVOCATEWe Lave very carefully considered the matter in consultation with the church authorities. The position is this as we see it. Once the widow's right to Ann has vested, of course it vests for the whole term. The right will go only when the vacancy is filled, and then only as regards the widow of the new incumbent. I thank the hon. Member for having raised the matter, but we looked at it very carefully and I can give him the assurance that the purpose he has in mind has been met.
§ Amendment agreed to.