HC Deb 21 May 1940 vol 361 cc23-4
41. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the Tithe Redemption Commission and matters affecting the Tithe Act, 1936, and the memoranda sent out by Messrs. H. M. Grellier and Son, Palace Chambers, Bridge Street, S.W.1, on his behalf, some steps will be taken to ensure that these memoranda are accompanied by an explanatory letter, in view of the great difficulty which many people in all parts of the country experience in understanding the drafting and wording of the memoranda as at present sent out?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

The documents referred to already include a printed explanatory memorandum. If any person who has difficulty in understanding them will, either in person or by letter, communicate with the agent of the Commission, at the address given in the form, and state what his particular difficulty is, he can be sure of receiving any further necessary explanations.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Financial Secretary aware that I have seen the Secretary of the Tithe Commission and that I have endeavoured to the best of my ability to separate the true from the false, the real from the unreal? Will my right hon. and gallant Friend help me, because the matter is quite beyond me?

Captain Crookshank

I have taken particular care to study the documents and they are crystal clear to anybody who wishes to understand them. It is the case that the hon. Member has been in touch with the Secretary of the Tithe Commission and if he is not able to explain away his difficulties, I am afraid it is very unlikely I shall be able to do so.

Mr. De la Bère

Does the Financial Secretary think that any right-minded person can really accept that complacent Treasury answer? It is lacking in common sense.

43. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what steps he is taking to stop, for the duration of the war, the harsh measures being taken in connection with tithe payments which are being applied at the present time?

Captain Crookshank

I know of no ground for my hon. Friend's suggestion that harsh measures are taken to recover arrears of tithe rent charge or redemption annuities. As I have previously stated, the Tithe Redemption Commission are always prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any reasonable proposals for payment from those who experience difficulty in meeting their obligations whether the difficulty arises out of the war or otherwise.

Mr. De la Bère

Perhaps my right hon. and gallant Friend will see me at the earliest opportunity?

Captain Crookshank

The Tithe Redemption Commission have dealt very generously with anybody who has been in difficulties in this matter. That is their established policy, which they are carrying out.

Mr. Mander

Is it not quite clear that the milling combines are at the bottom of all this?