§ Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any information as to the amount of tithe which is being withheld, or is overdue, during the current year; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
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§ Major ELLIOTThe Minister of Agriculture has no jurisdiction as regards the collection or recovery of tithe rentcharge, and I am accordingly not in a position to state what amount is being withheld or is overdue during the current year. As regards the second part of the question, the position remains as stated by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council in reply to a question put to him on 22nd June last, regarding tithe, namely that the Government can hold out no prospect of legislation on this question.