Lord Broughamrose to introduce two Bills which had been read once in that House in the last Session. The one was for the prevention of Pluralities in the Church, and the other was for enforcing the residence of the Clergy.
Lord Ellenboroughreminded the noble and learned Lord, that a Commission of Inquiry into these subjects had been issued under persons most competent to form an opinion upon them. He submitted, therefore, whether it would not be more expedient that the noble and learned Lord 320 should not at present proceed to the discussion, but allow some time to pass in order to give Ministers an opportunity of bringing forward the measures which they might think fit.
Lord Broughamonly wished the Bills to be read a first time, and the second reading might stand over so as to afford time for the production of the Report of the Commission. He protested, however, against the doctrine that, because a Commission of Bishops had been instituted, any Member of Parliament should postpone a measure merely in order to see what the Church itself would do with Church Reform. He had not the slightest idea that the Church Commission would agree with the House on this subject, though he would consent to postpone the second reading out of curiosity as to what course the Commissioners would pursue.
§ The Bills were read a first time.