HC Deb 08 March 1916 vol 80 cc1561-2W
Mr. C. DUNCAN

asked the hon. Member for the Doncaster Division, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if he will state the number of houses licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors (other than those with grocers' licences only) upon lands the freehold of which is held for the benefit of the Church of England under the Ecclesiastical Commissioners Acts; whether the Commissioners will now, under Section 12 of 13 and 14 Vic., c. 98, direct the Estates Committee that when any lease of the said Church lands comprising a licensed house falls in, either the licence shall be dropped or, if the land is let with the licence, that the new lease shall contain covenants for Sunday closing; whether they will also now direct the committee, before any agreement for reletting or renewal of the lease of any licensed premises shall be made, carefully to investigate the circumstances and effect of the house, and especially whether it has been used for excessive drinking, for undesirable drinking by women or young persons of either sex, or is otherwise doing mischief; and that the committee shall make inquiries of the Ecclesiastical Commissioner, who is bishop of the diocese in which the house is situate, and of others interested in temperance and in the welfare of the neighbourhood?

Sir CHARLES NICHOLSON (representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners)

The number of such licensed houses, so far as known, is about 330, of which the great majority are held by lessees on long leases. The method adopted by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in dealing with renewals or grants of leases of such properties is set out in several Returns to the Houses of Parliament, particularly Cd. 175 of 1883 (House of Lords), supplemented by Cd 252 of 1901 (House of Commons) and Cd. 41 of 1907 (House of Commons).

Mr. DUNCAN

asked whether the Commissioners consist of the archbishops, thirty-seven bishops, three deans, and twenty laymen; and whether all the laymen have, before acting, to declare themselves members of the Church of England?

Sir C. NICHOLSON

The answer to both parts of this question is in the affirmative.