Mr. Alderman Woodpresented a Petition from the Parish of St. Giles, Cripplegate, complaining of the burthens imposed on them for the payment of Tithes. When the present incumbent came to his living, his tithes amounted to 400l. a year, in 1826 they were augmented to 1,200l.; and the Vicar subsequently endeavouring to enforce the payment of 2s. 9d. in the pound, they were augmented to 1,800l. a year. At present the petitioners complained, that they were unable to pay that sum; numberless distress-warrants 399 had been issued; and unless the Legislature interfered, the parish would be ruined.
Sir R. Inglissaid, the facts of the case were these: according to the 37th of Henry 8th, the parish was one of those bound to pay 2s. 9d. in the pound on the rental; but for a considerable period, the incumbent had been contented to take a fraction of his right, though he had never given up that right. When he claimed it, discussions ensued, and it was at length agreed to give him 1,800l. a year, instead of paying him 2s. 9d. in the pound. An Act of Parliament was passed in the 7th year of the late King, to give validity to that agreement; and now the parish came to the Legislature to ask it to rescind that Act. The parish was not a poor one, for the rental amounted to 40,000l. a year, and the rates were appropriated to purposes over which the clergyman had no control. In his opinion, the tithes of the clergy were just as sacred as the property of the Corporation; and he did not think that the House could with any propriety listen to the prayer of the petition. He deprecated discussion on the subject, knowing that it was apt to excite and irritate the feelings both of the clergy and their parishioners.
§ Mr. Portmanwas sorry such incidental discussions should be raised; and he censured the hon. Baronet for having, in this instance, provoked it.
Mr. Grove Pricesaid, that the petitioners had agreed to give the Vicar 1s. 3d. where he was entitled to 2s. 9d.; and he supposed that they wanted the Legislature to give them the privilege of giving the Vicar his 2s. 9d.
Mr. Alderman Woodhad no wish to throw any imputations on the Vicar, whom he had known long, and knew to be most respectable; but he must repeat, that the parish was not able to bear its present burthens.
§ Petition to be printed.
§ Mr. Littletonpresented a Petition from the Tithe-payers of Marwood, in Staffordshire, praying for the Abolition of Tithes. The hon. Gentleman observed, that he was strongly attached to the Church of England, but he was of opinion, that a law, restricting pluralities, and providing for the more equal remuneration of the clergy, might be very advantageously introduced as soon as our domestic affairs wore a more settled aspect.