§ 63. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has considered the report sent to him from the president of the Tithe Payers' Association in connection with a meeting held at Ashford, Kent, relative to the tithe sale at Beech-brook Farm, Westwell, Kent; if he is aware that this is the fourth distraint on the farm for a tithe debt of £69, and goods to the value of £500 have already been taken; whether he will take steps to prevent goods being sold in excess of 1152 the amount of tithe demanded; and whether he is now in a position to state when the Royal Commission's Report will be published
Major DAVIESI have been asked to reply. While my right hon. Friend has not received the report referred to, he has seen references in the public Press to the sale in question. As the hon. Member was informed on 30th January last the collection and recovery of tithe rentcharge is not a matter which falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman ask the Minister of Agriculture whether he thinks it will be any use sending along a bunch of ladies' hatpins to the Chairman of the Commission?