§ Sir John Easthopesaid, in moving for certain returns, he begged leave to ask the right hon. Baronet, (Sir Robert Peel) whether it was the intention of her Majesty's Government to give to the subject of Church- 964 rates, during the Parliamentary recess, that consideration which would be needful to enable them to bring forward some measure for the settlement of the question in the course of the ensuing Session; or whether he was to understand that the right hon. Baronet was satisfied with the present state of the law? The hon. Baronet concluded by moving for returns of the gross amount of Church-rates during the years 184I and 1842, setting forth the sums applied for the maintenance of the fabric of churches; the places in which Church-rates were not raised; and also the places wherein attempts had been unsuccessfully made to carry Church-rates.
§ Sir R. Peelcould not undertake to give any assurance, that in the course of the next Session he would bring forward a measure on the subject. With respect to the second question, namely, whether he was satisfied with the present state of the law, he must say, that he should be sorry to give such an assurance respecting any law.
§ Sir J. EasthopeMy question practically was, whether we are to expect the Government to give their consideration to the subject, with a view to settling it?
§ Sir R. PeelAnd my answer is, that I cannot sanction any expectation that her Majesty's Government are prepared to bring forward a bill on the subject of Church-rates.
§ Motion agreed to.