§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared to receive a deputation from the National Tithepayers' Association to discuss the payment of tithe arrears and the effect upon food production?
§ Sir K. WoodI cannot undertake to receive a deputation, but any representations which may-be made in writing will, of course, receive consideration.
§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the increasing number of tithe restraint and bankruptcy cases in the heavy tithe areas, which result in failure of farmers fully to cultivate the land, with consequent loss of food production; and what action he proposes to remedy this matter?
§ Captain CrookshankMy hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that there is an increasing number of cases in which it has been necessary to take bankruptcy proceedings or to levy distresses in order to recover tithe redemption annuities or arrears of tithe rentcharge. I may add that such cases have always been very exceptional. The collection of redemption annuities continues to be satisfactory, despite the difficulties caused by the war, and the percentage of arrears is remarkably small.