§ 72. Sir H. Williamsasked the hon. and gallant Member for New Forest and Christchurch, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, what increase has taken place in the income of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners derived from ground rents in the last 30 years.
Major Mills (for Ecclesiastical Commissioners)Comparison of the Commissioners' Accounts shows that the amount received by them in ground rents had increased, from 1912 to 1942, by 127,953. The accounts for the year, to 31st October last, are not yet complete. This increase arises from new building development during the period, and from the purchase of further ground rents as an investment.
§ Sir H. WilliamsMay I ask whether the ecclesiastical members of the Commission, who sometimes make speeches on ground rents, are familiar with those facts?
Major MillsI do not think my hon. Friend will expect me to answer that question, in regard to speeches which I have not read or heard.