§ THE LORD BISHOP OF WINCHESTER moved to resolve, That in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Channel Islands (Representation) Measure, 1931, be presented to His Majesty for the Royal Assent. The right rev. Prelate said: My Lords, I have the honour to present to your Lordships two Measures in connection with Islands which, from some points of view, may be said to be a kind of Cinderella of our Church life. As your Lordships are aware, the Channel Islands are unique alike in their constitution in the British Empire and in the relation of the Church there towards the Church of the mainland. They are, in fact, the only part of William the Norman's demesne which still adheres to British authority. Their constitution, as you are aware, is peculiar. The relation of the Crown and Parliament to the Islands is different from anything that is found elsewhere in the British Commonwealth. They are largely self-governing. In them the 228 Parliament is called the States, the paramount authority being exercised through the Home Office on behalf of the Crown. With regard to their position in Church life, they have had a rather varied career. At one time belonging to the Diocese of Coutances, at another for a short time belonging to the Diocese of Salisbury, they were ordered by Elizabeth to belong henceforth to the Diocese of Winchester.
§ These Measures are intended to bring them into closer official connection with the Church of the mainland, a connection which at present, so far as the official position is concerned, is somewhat lacking. They have no representation in Convocation and they have no representation in the Church Assembly. No legislation at present passed in the Church Assembly applies to the Channel Islands. Indeed, the Bishop of Winchester is their only official representative in those bodies. It is hoped so far as Convocation is concerned that this gap will be shortly filled. What we are concerned with in these Measures is their representation alike in the Diocesan Conference and in the House of Laity. May I remind your Lordships that these Measures are the result of prolonged negotiation lasting over years between the Diocese, the Church in the Islands, the States or 229 Parliament in the Islands and the Home Office? They have now been submitted to and approved by the Church Assembly and also have received approval in another place.
§ The first Measure to which I would ask your Lordships' attention is the Representation Measure. This provides for statutory representation of the Church in the Channel Islands in the Diocesan Conference of Winchester, and in the House of Laity of the Church Assembly. Statutory decanal conferences—conferences, that is to say, of the clergy and laity in both Islands, are now by this Measure officially and definitely provided. In Clause 5 of the Measure you will see how they are to be elected. In Clauses 2 and 3 power is given to elect a representative to the House of Laity, and representatives to the Diocesan Conference at Winchester. Qualifications for inclusion in the electoral roll, as outlined under Clause 4, are the same as they are in England. Qualifications of elected representatives, as outlined in Clause 6, are also the same as they are here. This Measure also provides in a way which may appear simple, but which was the result of really prolonged deliberation, for a representation of the Church in these Islands, largely owing to geographical circumstances cut off from intercourse it otherwise might enjoy. It provides for representation as far as maybe, both in the Diocesan Conference and in the House of Laity and therefore the Church Assembly. I beg to move.
§ Moved to resolve, That in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Channel Islands (Representation) Measure, 1931, be presented to His Majesty for the Royal Assent.—(The Lord Bishop of Winchester.)