HC Deb 18 February 1941 vol 369 cc60-1

Motion made, and Question proposed,

"That a sum, not exceeding £ 10, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1941, for the purchase of a site in connection with the building of a Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in London."

Sir Stanley Reed (Aylesbury)

Our Moslem friends welcome this action by the Government with immense satisfaction and widespread approval, but they are very anxious that, if circumstances allow, the Mosque shall be erected somewhere near the heart of London. They trust that if it is at all possible the Government will obtain a site near the heart of the Metropolis.

Mr. Creech Jones

I wish to congratulate the Government on their very imaginative act in making this development possible. I fear that, although we are at the centre of a very great Empire, we approach many problems in an insular spirit. I think this act will be appreciated by a very considerable section of people living under the British flag, and I congratulate the Government on their foresight in the matter.

Mr. Graham White (Birkenhead, East)

I think this Vote is to be very much welcomed at this time. One cannot fail to notice that in discussions of our war aims, the main one is the maintenance of our Christian civilisation. Although that is an aim which nobody will question, it is a limited aim, when we realise that more people are concerned with a Moslem civilisation and a Hindu civilisation than are concerned with the Christian civilisation. For these reasons, I welcome this Vote.

Mr. George Hall

I wish to express the thanks of the Government for the kind sentiments that have been uttered in the Committee concerning this proposal. I will not explain the matter further, as the proposal has been so well received, but I should like to say that in agreeing to the proposal, the Government give their approval to a scheme which the late Secretary of State, the late Lord Lloyd, had very much at heart and to which he devoted much time and energy.

Question put, and agreed to.