HC Deb 24 April 1918 vol 105 cc1005-6W
Mr. LLEWELYN WILLIAMS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that tithe rent-charge stands at present at 9 per cent. over par value and is likely next year to reach 30 per cent. over par value, the Government are prepared to introduce legislation dealing with this unprecedented increase, which in these times of high taxation bears hardly on all landowners in England and Wales; and whether, having regard to the fact that in 1913, when the Welsh Church Act first passed through this House, tithe rent-charge stood at the value of £78 per cent., the Government will introduce legislation to rearrange the financial provisions of the commutation proposals of that Act or give the Welsh county councils the option to refuse to commute the life interests of the clergy of the Church in Wales?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The question of tithe rent-charge is under consideration, but I cannot at present make any statement about it.