Enfield Lock church

HC Deb 28 February 1922 vol 151 c229 229

Viscount WOLMER asked the Secretary of State for War the reasons for which the Royal Small Arms Factory church, Enfield Lock, has been closed?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS: As adequate and suitable provision for religious ministrations to the small number of soldiers at Enfield could be made more economically by arranging for their attendance at an ordinary church in the neighbourhood, I did not think that the expense of keeping the factory church open, involving the payment of an officiating clergyman, salary of organist, lighting, heating, etc., was justified.

Viscount WOLMER: Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Bishop of Willesden has offered to defray the entire cost of running this church and to rent the premises from the Government? If he finds that to be the case, will he alter his decision?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS: I will certainly consider any offer of that sort.

Viscount WOLMER: Am I right in understanding that the sole reason of the Government for shutting down these premises is economy?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS: Yes.