HC Deb 13 July 1837 vol 38 cc1902-3
Lord John Russell

gave notice that he should to-morrow move that the Amendments introduced by the Lords into this Bill be taken into consideration. He could at once state that he intended to move that the House disagree with a clause introduced by their Lordships into the Bill respecting those Gentlemen who had been Speakers of the House of Commons. This clause involved a matter peculiarly belonging to that House, and it was quite impossible for that House to allow that it had committed an injustice which might be implied by the adoption of the clause, and it was also impossible that the House of Lords should be permitted to interfere with the proceedings of that House, and be enabled to say how it should carry into effect its own wishes and intentions. On these grounds he should move that that House disagree with this Amendment of the Lords. The Bill itself only suspended the appointment to ecclesiastical sinecure situations for a-year, by the expiration of which time he hoped that the general measure would pass on the subject. He wished also to add, that as it was too late during the present Session, he should be happy on a future occasion to enter upon the consideration and discussion as to any equitable claims that these reverend gentlemen might have.

Sir Robert Inglis

denied that the House of Lords had interfered with any of the privileges of that House in adopting this clause. The suggestion involved in the clause was now a matter of history for three preceding Houses of Commons had severally addressed the Crown in favour of their three chaplains, and praying that they should be appointed to offices of dignity in the Church. He should endeavour to show to-morrow that the faith of that House of Parliament and the honour of the Crown were pledged to these individuals, independently of any claims they might have from their services and qualifications to such appointments. The object of the clause was not to compel such appointments, but to enable the Crown, if it should think fit, to appoint these gentlemen.

Notice given.