10 MARCH 1944, Page 14

PRICES AND WAGES SIR,—It would be interesting to learn the

source of and foundation for Mr. Gilchrist's belief that "clergymen have this year received an addition of 7 per cent, to their stipends." Whence? When? How? Is he by any chance thinking of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners' "scheme K" whereby in the case of the poorest benefices the Commissioners offer, under certain restrictions, to increase the income of the living for a period of 7 years by an amount equal to that subscribed by the parish? There is here a world of difference, and such a statement as that made by Mr. Gilchrist, if incorrect, as I believe it to be, is by no means harmless.—Yours, &c., Christ Church Vicarage, Nailsea, Nr. Bristol. J. H. Powm..