§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)asked Mr. Attorney General, Whether he is aware that, at Barrow-in-Furness last week, the magistrates refused to allow one John Clegg (who stated that he was an Atheist, and objected to take an oath) to make affirmation, but ultimately permitted him to give evidence on oath; and, whether, under the circumstances, the refusal to allow affirmation, and the taking the evidence on oath, were in accordance with the Law?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER) (Isle of Wight)I have made inquiries, and have ascer- 1248 tained that the magistrates were not informed of the Statute enabling persons objecting to make an oath to make a "promise and declaration." The refusal, under the circumstances, was not in accordance with the law; but attention having been called to the matter it is not likely to occur again.