§ MR. RUSTONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he is aware that at the recent burial with a Nonconformist service of Mr. M. E. Peet, a parishioner of Holmbeach, after a fee had been paid for the tolling of the bell, and it had been tolled for several minutes, the Rev. J. Hemmans, the vicar, ordered the ringing to be stopped; whether this was done without the knowledge of the churchwardens, who have expressed regret at the occurrence; whether the vicar has stated that he has acted in accordance with a resolution of several of the neighbouring clergy; whether an application to the Bishop of Lincoln, to use his influence to prevent the recurrence of such a proceeding, has been ineffectual; and, whether the Government will take any steps to protect parishioners in connection with the burial of the dead?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT,in reply, said, that although he had no knowledge of this matter he had received a letter respecting it. If the facts were as stated by the hon. Member, all he could say was that they were deplorable, and very much to be condemned; but it was not a matter in which he had any authority to interfere.