HL Deb 29 February 1872 vol 209 cc1132-3

Clauses 5 and 6 agreed to.

Clause 7 (Rights of laics to institute suits, &c. reserved).

THE BISHOP OF OXFORD

proposed to omit the clause.

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

asked for an explanation for the proposed omission. If their Lordships struck out the clause they would declare that there was no power on the part of the laity of instituting suits against the clergy.

THE BISHOP OF WINCHESTER

said, his objection to the clause as it stood was that it was ambiguous, unmeaning, and therefore dangerous.

Clause postponed.

Clauses 8 and 9 agreed to.

Clause 10 (Reservation of existing rights of chancellors, surrogates, and registrars, &c).

THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY moved an Amendment providing that these officers might, in lieu of fees, be paid by salaries equal to but not exceeding the amount of fees received by them on an average of three years, and, in addition, payment for such clerks and assistants as may be required for the discharge of the duties of the respective offices.

EARL BEAUCHAMP

wished to know where the salaries were to come from?

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

said, it was only just that those who had been receiving fees should be secured against sudden changes.

After some conversation,

Clause postponed.

Clauses 11, 12, and 13 agreed to.

At this moment—