HC Deb 30 October 1882 vol 274 cc381-2
SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the fact that the Rev. J. Percival, President of Trinity College, Oxford, has been appointed to a canonry in Bristol Cathedral; and, whether it is intended that Mr. Percival shall continue to hold both these offices; and, if so, on what grounds the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Cathedrals, that, with certain important exceptions, in those cases in which sufficient means and a house of residence can be provided, canons should reside within the cathedral precincts for eight months in the year, and should not hold preferment inconsistent with the performance of diocesan duties, has not been acted upon in this case?

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not know under what impression the right hon. Gentleman has put this Question to me, the matter being one with which I am not concerned; but, it being a Question which it is most proper should be answered, I have placed it before my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor, who has given me the materials of are-ply. The Lord Chancellor made it his business before this appointment to ascertain whether it would be in the power of Mr. Percival to discharge the duties of the canonry in conjunction with the duties of the Headship of the College, and he satisfied himself beyond all doubt that such was the case. With regard to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Cathedrals, the Lord Chancellor, while feeling every respect for it, did not, however, think it his duty to act upon it, as he would have done had it been adopted by Parliament. As to Mr. Percival's position, the special motive of the Lord Chancellor in selecting him for this preferment was that he was head master of a great school at Clifton, in the immediate neighbourhood of Bristol, where he was exceedingly distinguished in the discharge of his office, and was also much concerned in all philanthropic and religious undertakings connected with the city of Bristol. I feel sure that it was not the intention of the right hon. Gentleman, in putting this Question, to intimate any doubt whatever as to the distinguished merits of Mr. Percival generally; but that the point intended to be raised is with reference to the compatibility of the office he held and the office to which he has been appointed.