Lord Howick, adverting to the notice which he had given for this day, relative to the introduction of additional clauses into the Mutiny bill, for allowing Roman Catholics to hold certain commissions in the army, and for granting soldiers of that persuasion the free exercise of their religion, informed the house that on more mature consideration of the subject it had been deemed more proper to bring in a separate bill for that purpose; which bill he proposed to move for leave to bring in tomorrow. At the same time he thought it right to state that it was intended to extend 1074 the same privilege to Roman Catholics in the Navy service. As to the Mutiny bill, there were many amendments to be moved in it, to which he did not understand there would be much objection; it was proposed therefore, that it should go through the committee pro formâd, for the purpose of having the additional clauses introduced into it, after which the bill would be recommitted on Monday next, and from the advanced period of the season, gentlemen would be aware of the necessity of passing the bill with all convenient dispatch.
Mr. Yorkewas glad that the noble lord had adopted the plan of bringing forward his regulations respecting the Roman Catholics as a separate measure.