§ 45. Captain Orrasked the hon. and learned Member for Brigg, as Second Church Estates Commissioner, by what authority the Cross of Canterbury has been taken out of the country by the Archbishop on his present world tour.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuThe Cross of Canterbury is vested in the Church Commissioners. The Archbishop is entitled to take the Cross with him when he travels officially.
§ Captain OrrI am very grateful to the hon. and learned Gentleman for his courtesy and the trouble he has taken in this matter. Is he aware that I am not suggesting that the Archbishop might have absconded with the Cross, but I am most concerned that important and irreplaceable national treasures should not be taken out of the country without the greatest care for their safety and return? Will he be good enough to give an assurance that such will never be the case in future?
§ Mr. MallalieuI can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that in this instance the Church Commissioners knew of the Archbishop's intention. They always insure this Cross and specifically informed the insurers of the intention to make this particular journey.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan my hon. and learned Friend say how much it is insured for?
§ Mr. MallalieuNo, Sir; not without notice.
§ Mr. OgdenHas my hon. and learned Friend had any indication that the Archbishop of Canterbury will not himself take the greatest possible care of the Cross, regardless of what its value might be to the insurers or to anyone else?
§ Mr. MallalieuNo, Sir; I have had no such indication.
§ Mr. RankinWe have heard that the Cross is insured, but, Mr. Speaker, is the Archbishop also insured?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not know to whom that observation was addressed. I can only say that it does not raise a point of order.