§ Sir J. Easthopesaid, as an allusion had been made in the Speech from the Throne as to the intention of introducing a measure relative to the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical courts, he wished to ask the right hon. Baronet opposite whether that notice pointed to any proposition which would include a settlement of the question of compulsory Church-rates, or whether any measure, having that object in view, was contemplated by Her Majesty's Government?
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, that any bill introduced on the subject referred to in the Speech would be exclusively confined to the amendment of the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical courts. The subject was noticed agreeably to the recommendation of commissioners appointed some years ago to inquire into the jurisdiction of these courts; and any bill that would be brought forward on that subject would not contain any provision as to church-rates.
§ Sir J. Easthope:Will the right hon. Baronet permit me to ask whether it is in the contemplation of Government to propose any measure respecting Church-rates in the present Session of Parliament?
§ Sir R. Peel:It is not in the contemplation of Government to propose any such measure.
§ Mr. Hawessaid, that as in the report alluded to another mode of collecting Church-rates was recommended, he should be glad to know whether her Majesty's Government were influenced in their determination as to what should he done by any suggestion contained in that report?
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, he had already given an answer on the subject, and the hon. Member would, he trusted, see how very inconvenient it would be to enter into any discussion when the question was not before the House.