HC Deb 07 February 1843 vol 66 cc221-2
Mr. T. Duncombe

wished to know whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce any measure this Session upon the subject of Church-rates; and also whether they meant to renew this Session two Bills which they brought forward last Session, namely, the County Courts Bill, and the Registration of Voters' Bill?

Sir R. Peel

said, that a measure relating to County Courts would be introduced. With respect to Church-rates, he did not contemplate the introduction of any measure for transferring the present charge upon property, either to the consolidated fund or the ecclesiastical revenues; at the same time he did not wish it to be under- stood that he concluded himself altogether from legislation on the subject.

Mr. T. Duncombe

said, that the right hon. Baronet had somewhat unnecessarily entered into a description of the measures which he did not intend to propose. All he wanted to know was whether Church-rates were to be abolished. As to County Courts, the Bill on that subject was laid upon the table last Session, in order, as it was said, that Members might digest it during the recess; now if a different measure were to be introduced, hon. Members would have been exerting their digestive powers to very little purpo e during the last six months.

Sir R. Peel:

if the hon. Member had asked him a question to that effect, he would at once have answered in the negative; but as the hon. Member had asked whether the Government intended to introduce "any measure" on the subject of Church-rates, he had considered it necessary to qualify his answer. With respect to County Courts, it was much better that the person whose duty it would be to introduce that measure should state its details, than that he should now be called upon to enter into any explanation respecting them.

Mr. F. Maule

asked whether it was intended to introduce the County Courts Bill into this House or the House of Lords.

Sir James Graham

said, he should take an early opportunity of giving another notice of the introduction of the Bill into the House of Commons.