HC Deb 05 March 1849 vol 103 cc169-70
MR. HORSMAN

said, the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Department had stated a few nights since that a measure was prepared with reference to the abuses of the Ecclesistical Courts. He wished to know whether it was in such a state as to enable the right hon. Gentleman to give a synopsis of its provisions to the House?

SIR G. GREY

replied, that his answer on a former night had not been correctly stated by the hon. Gentleman who had asked the question. His answer bad been, that a measure on the subject was in contemplation, but that it had not, as yet, been prepared; and, therefore, it would be premature on the present occasion to enter either into its principles or details. The Bill, however, was in an advanced state of preparation.

MR. HUME

said, that perhaps the right hon. Baronet would have no objection to answer this question, Whether the Bill would have the effect of abolishing the Ecclesiastical Courts altogether? That was the point.

SIR G. GREY

said, he should be setting a bad example were he to enter into any details.