§ 35. Mr. RICHARD EVANSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to state the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed Royal Commission on tithes; whether the special circumstances of Welsh tithe payers will he a subject of inquiry; and whether Wales will be directly represented on the personnel of the commission?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)The terms of reference of the Royal Commission will be:
To inquire into and report upon the whole question of tithe rentcharge in England and Wales and its incidence, with special reference to stabilised value, statutory remission, powers of recovery, and method and terms of redemption.I am not yet in a position to make a statement with regard to the constitution and personnel of the commission. With regard to the last part of the question, I do not think it would be desirable to have direct representation of interests on the commission, but the hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a tendency now to ignore altogether the national claims of the Principality?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI will keep the hon. Gentleman's representations in mind.
§ Viscount ELMLEYWill my right hon. Friend do everything he can to speed up this inquiry?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNaturally, the Royal Commission must be the judges of that. I am afraid it will take a certain amount of time.