§ Viscount VALENTIAasked the hon. Member for the Doncaster Division, as 2694W representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if he is aware that an announcement has been made that a portion of the endowment of the parish of St. Peter-le-Bailey is to be alienated for the benefit of a, new parish of Grandpont, in the City of Oxford, without consultation with the congregation of the former; that it is proposed to let the rectory house and grounds of St. Peter-le-Bailey and expend the income so arising in the payment of a curate's salary in the parish of St. Ebbe's; and how far these proceedings have the sanction and authority of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners?
§ Mr. GULLAND (for the Ecclesiastical Commissioners)A scheme affecting several parishes in Oxford and involving the proposals mentioned in the hon. Member's question has received the general approval of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The apportionment of the income of St. Peter-le-Bailey in favour of St. Matthew Grandpont will be carried out by a scheme of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if ratified by Order of His Majesty in Council, under statutory powers which do not require any consent of or notice to parishioners or congregation. Neither the letting of a rectory house nor the application of the rent is a matter over which the Commissioners have any control.