The Upkeep of Cathedrals
SIR,—I cannot see why Prebendary Burnell should suppose that Govern- ment grants towards the preservation of our ancient fabrics should lead to the State claiming " a voice in the way in which they are used." It did not do so in the case of churches which were damaged or destroyed in the war ; and I expressly cited- the case of the University Grants Commission as an example of a procedure by which the Government has made grants to universities and university colleges over a long period of years without in any way threatening their inctependence. It would be important, of course, that such grants should not be given on such a scale as to dry up the generosity which our ancient buildings always elicit ; but if they were given on a pound-for-pound basis in relation to local effort that danger would be averted. And naturally each request for a grant would be scrutinised on its merits and in great detail. I have no doubt that if the authorities of the University Grants Com- mission, the Pilgrim Trust and the Central Council for the Care of Churches were invited to give the Government the benefit of their knowledge and wisdom, a workable scheme could be devised.—Yours
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