HC Deb 27 February 1844 vol 73 cc328-9
Mr. Borthwick

wished to put a question to the Secretary of State for the Home Department. He understood that, in another place of which they often heard, an important conversation had taken place between a right rev. Prelate, and the Members of Her Majesty's Government, from which it was to be presumed that the Government would, in the course of the amendment of the Poor Law Bill, adopt some measures for the Religious Instruction of the Poor in Unions, by Chaplains of the Church of England only. He wished to know from the right hon. Baronet whether it were the intention of the Government to introduce any such provision?

Sir James Graham

had no hesitation in answering the question put to hint by the hon. Member, or in stating what the decision of the Government was upon the point referred to by him. Her Majesty's Ministers were perfectly satisfied with the exercise of the discretionary power vested in the Poor Law Commissioners, with respect to the appointment of Chaplains in workhouses: he was sure that they would appoint persons according to the necessities of the different localities in which these appointments were to take place. He was not prepared to propose any alteration in the law. As at present advised, he was perfectly satisfied with the state of the law, and in any discussion that might take place on the subject, he would be prepared to show, to the satisfaction of the House, that the discretion placed in these responsible officers had been exercised in a most proper manner.

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