§ MR. HADFIELD moved that the House do resolve itself into Committee to consi- 100 der the Acts relating to Qualifications for Office and Employment.
§ MR. NEWDEGATEexpressed his regret that the hon. Member should think it necessary to re-introduce this most obnoxious measure, which had hitherto been invariably rejected by a majority of at least two to one. He should have thought, after the distinct expression of opinion by the House, that the hon. Member would not have further trespassed upon its patience. The hon. Gentleman, however, was prepared to ask them again to reverse the whole course of legislation adopted on this subject for the last 32 years, in order to enable persons who were invested with corporate powers to use them against the Church of England, which was one of the great institutions of the State. No one could really doubt that the subject had been already sufficiently ventilated; therefore, he trusted the House would not even sanction the introduction of the measure, the more especially as they knew very well that even if it passed this House it was not likely to become law; but in all probability would only promote differences between the two branches of the Legislature, upon a subject with respect to which no public interest whatever had been excited.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Acts read; considered in Committee. (In the Committee.)
§
Resolved,
That the Chairman be directed to move the House, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to render it unnecessary to make and subscribe certain Declarations as a Qualification for Offices and Employment.
§ Resolution agreed to.
§ Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. HADFIELD, Sir MORTON PETO, Mr. BANIES, and Mr. KERSHAW.
§ Bill presented, and read 1o.