§ MR. HOWORTH (Salford, S.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in view of the fact that three Bishops in England and Wales are over 80 years of age, and two others are over 77 years of age, and in view also of the increased duties imposed upon Bishops, and the 523 consequent demand for an increase of the Episcopate, the Government propose to introduce a Bill at an early date for the superannuation and retirement of Prelates and other ecclesiastical dignitaries when no longer able to perform their duties?
§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, may I be permitted to ask whether the age of the right rev. Prelates in question appreciably exceeds that of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Mid Lothian (Mr. W. E. Gladstone), concerning whose vigour and vitality there can be no doubt?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I do not think my hon. Friend who asked the last question will expect an answer to it. With regard to the Question on the Paper, I believe that my hon. Friend is within the mark in his statement as to the ages of some of the members of the Episcopal Bench; but I am informed that the most aged of the Bishops is also the most active in the discharge of his duties, and retains the full possession of every mental faculty. An Act was passed some years ago (the 32 & 33 Vict., c. 3) providing for the superannuation and retirement of Prelates and other dignitaries of the Church when no longer able to discharge their duties.