HC Deb 23 November 1914 vol 68 cc821-3W
Mr. RAWLINSON

asked whether the National Debt Commissioners have made any advances, and, if so, for how much, to the Welsh Church Commissioners for the purpose of putting the Welsh Church Act into operation?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. RAWLINSON

asked whether any person appointed to a benefice in Wales since 17th September, 1914, has an existing interest in the emoluments of the benefice within the meaning of the Welsh Church Act?

Mr. McKENNA

I do not think I can undertake to give an opinion on a legal question which can only be decided by a Court of Law.

Mr. RAWLINSON

asked whether a lay patron of a benefice in Wales must, in order to receive compensation for the loss of such patronage, make application to the Welsh Church Commissioners before 17th March, 1915?

Mr. McKENNA

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to Section 16 of the principal Act.

Mr. RAWLINSON

asked whether any person appointed to a benefice in Wales since 17th September, 1914, is exempt under the Welsh Church Act from the payment of first fruits and tenths?

Mr. McKENNA

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to Section 20 of the principal Act.

Mr. PROTHERO

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty have been required under the Welsh Church Act to ascertain immediately and declare what property vested in them is Welsh ecclesiastical property?

Mr. McKENNA

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty are required, under Section 5 of the Welsh Church Act, to declare, as soon as may be after the passing of the Act, and before the date of disestablishment, what property vested in them is Welsh ecclesiastical property.

Mr. PROTHERO

asked the Home Secretary what steps, if any, which would now be in process of being taken under the Welsh Church Act if the Suspensory Act had not been passed, are not now in process of being taken?

Mr. McKENNA

Under the Suspensory Act the date of Disestablishment is postponed, but not the preliminary steps which, under the Welsh Church Act, must be taken prior to the date of Disestablishment. An Amendment to postpone the whole operation of the Act was rejected in this House. The steps which are now being taken are preliminary only, and are not, therefore, affected by the Suspensory Act.

Mr. PROTHERO

asked the Home Secretary if he will state what provision, if any, of the Welsh Church Act, is not at this moment in operation which would have been in operation if the Suspensory Act had not been passed?

Mr. McKENNA

As the Acts are now law, I am afraid I cannot undertake to answer questions as to their interpretation, which I have no authority to decide. I can only refer the hon. Member to the Acts themselves.

Lord HUGH CECIL

asked the Home Secretary whether the Welsh Church Commissioners have engaged offices; whether they have appointed any officials or clerical staff; and whether they have commenced to take steps to determine which of the border parishes shall be treated as wholly within Wales?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer is in the affirmative.

Lord HUGH CECIL

asked the Home Secretary whether any of the Welsh Church Commissioners are now in receipt of a salary; whether they are incurring any expenditure towards putting the Welsh Church Act into operation; and whether such expenditure will fall to be met finally out of moneys to be alienated from the Church as from the date of disestablishment?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer to all three parts of the question is in the affirmative.