Sir James Grahamstated, that a Petition had been presented some time ago to his Majesty, from the Parishioners of the Parish of Stanhope, in the County of Durham, respecting the 353 intended elevation of Dr. Phillpotts, the Rector of that parish, to the vacant See of Exeter. He now gave notice, that on Thursday se'nnight he would move for the production of that petition.
§ Mr. Beaumontobserved, that great discontent had been excited in the parish of Stanhope, containing 12,000 persons, by the apprehension that Dr. Phillpotts was to be allowed to retain the possession of the rectory of that parish, the tithes of which amounted to 4,000l. a year. He wished the right hon. Gentleman opposite would state what were the intentions of his Majesty's Government on the subject.
§ Sir R. Peelanswered, that the rectory had formerly been held by a Bishop, and it was to be held by the Bishop of Exeter in commendam.
Sir James Grahamsaid, that in consequence of what had fallen from the right hon. Gentleman he would change the nature of his intended Motion, adopt at once a more direct course, and move an Address to his Majesty on the subject.