Mr. Colquhounwished to ask the noble Lord a question relating to a matter which was now exciting the greatest interest,—he meant the collision between the civil and ecclesiastical courts of Scotland, which had already led to consequences which every one deplored. Was it the intention of Government, to introduce a measure for the settlement of that question; and, if it was, at what period was it the noble Lord's intention to state the outline of that measure?
§ Lord J. RussellThe question is a very important one, and is under the consideration of Government with the view of taking such measures as may be satisfactory.
Mr. Colquhounsaid, that an impression had gone abroad that the noble Lord had stated to a deputation from the church of Scotland that it was the intention of her Majesty's Government, at an early period, to announce to the deputation, not only that they would bring in a measure, but what the outlines of that measure might be. Such an impression had unquestionably been received by the deputation. He was now anxious to ascertain if that impression was erroneous, and if her Majesty's Government, having had the ques- 860 tion under consideration since last May, had not resolved on the outline of any measure.
§ Lord J. Russellanswered that the impression was certainly a mistaken one. What he stated to the deputation was, that Government was endeavouring to frame a measure upon the subject, but that he would not bring forward a measure if Government was not satisfied it would be an effectual measure. If they had not a satisfactory measure to propose, they would state to the deputation that they did not intend to bring forward any measure.
§ Sir R. Peelhoped that as soon as the mind of hon. Majesty's Government was made up, whether they would or would not introduce a legislative measure, they would make a communication to the House, that the House might be apprised of it at as early a period as any deputation from Scotland could be apprised; because he had understood, and he had answered a number of letters to that effect, that her Majesty's Government did intend the settlement of this question by means of legislative provision, and that therefore, he would suspend his opinion until he had an opportunity of considering the measure they might propose. He now understood that the noble Lord had given no assurance to bring forward a legislative enactment. Of course he was in error in common with many other persons.
§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that if he intended to bring forward a measure he should be ready to give notice of it, and he would also give the earliest possible information if such was not his intention.
§ Subject dropped.