HC Deb 12 December 1935 vol 307 c1114
81. Mr. HOLMES

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the report of the Royal Commission on Tithes contains any recommendation for issuing tithe bonds to the present tithe owners in exchange for the title deeds of their tithe; whether the Government are in favour of such a recommendation; what amount of money will be involved; and what will be the terms of issue?

Mr. ELLIOT

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the publication of the Commission's report and the statement of Government's policy in regard thereto.

Mr. HOLMES

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in order that Members of the House may avoid the imputation of disclosing the recommendations of a Royal Commission by means of questions in this House he will consider the advisability of publishing the report forthwith, before the Government have come to their conclusions upon it?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer previously given.

Mr. ACLAND

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how the publication of the report can, in any way, delay the preparation of the policy of the Government?

Major COLFOX

How soon may we expect publication?