§ 2.39 p.m.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD HOLDENMy Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill I wish to say that I am doing so on behalf of the Charity Commission. It is, I believe, an entirely non-controversial Bill, judging from its smooth passage in another place. I think I should explain its main provisions to your Lordships, in a few sentences. Sutton's Hospital in Charterhouse is a very old Trust which provides Alms-houses for poor people. It was set up in 1611 and was confirmed under an Act of Parliament in 1627; therefore any alteration requires an Act of Parliament. The reasons for the proposed alterations are these. Under the terms of the Trust it is necessary to provide a Preacher for the Almshouses at the cost of £350 a year, while a Master has also to be maintained for administrative purposes.
During the war the premises of the Sutton's Hospital were considerably damaged by enemy action and it was clear that economy was necessary in order that rebuilding could be carried out. To effect this, provisional permission was given by the Charity Commissioners to the Trust to dispense with the office of Preacher, and for the services of the Chapel to be taken over by the Master. The time has now arrived when this provisional permission has to be confirmed by Act of Parliament. I am assured that the religious requirements of the Almshouses will not suffer, as the Master is and must always be a clergyman of the Church of England. I may add that it is understood that the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury is 207 quite satisfied with this arrangement. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Holden.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.