§ Mr. Thomas DuncombeSeeing the right hon. Gentleman, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his place, I wish to put a question to him on a subject which engaged much attention last Session, and on which the public are now getting anxious for some information. I allude to the subject of Church-rates. I wish to ask my right hon. Friend whether it is the intention of her Majesty's Ministers to proceed at once by the introduction of a Bill for the abolition of Church-rates, or whether it is their intention to revive that most desirable inquiry as to the manner in which Church leases are granted and renewed, which was commenced last Session, and abruptly terminated by the demise of the Crown?
§ The Chancellor of the ExchequerAt an earlier period in the present Session a similar question was addressed to my noble Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and I have great pleasure in repeating the answer he then gave. It is the intention of her Majesty's Government to move the re-appointment of the Committee to which the hon. Member alludes, and to found whatever enactments may be necessary upon the recommendations of that Committee, after it shall have entered into a full and extended inquiry into this very important subject.