§ Order for Second Reading, read.
§ MR. FREWEN, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, said, that its object was to increase the annual sum which the bishop was by the present law authorised to grant out of the incomes of livings under sequestration for the payment of curates. He knew one living which had been under sequestration for several years, to which five hamlets were attached, and in which there were seven full services each Sunday; and yet the bishop, according to the exist- 327 ing law, could only grant 200l. out of the income for the payment of curates. He knew many cases in which livings of from 1,000l. to 2,000l. per annum were under sequestration, and yet no larger sum than he had mentioned could he granted for this purpose.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYhoped that the hon. Member would not press the second reading at that hour of the evening. The whole principle of sequestrations required consideration, and he thought it was doubtful whether it would be advisable to agree to the present measure, which seriously interfered with the rights of creditors, while it did not deal at all with the principle of sequestration.
§ DR. NICHOLLsaid, that he thought it was well worthy the consideration of the House whether it would not be of the greatest advantage to the Church and the parishioners that sequestration for debt should be entirely abolished; and that, at the same time, some arrangement should be made for spreading the payment of first fruits and fifths by clergymen over several years. The present mode of payment often involved them in a load of debt, which was a continued source of embarrassment.
§ Second Reading deferred till Tuesday next.