§ MR. J. G. PHILLIMOREsaid, he wished to ask whether it was intended to allow the Convocation for the Province of Canterbury to sit for any longer time.
§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, that the noble Lord at the head of the Government, being unable to attend, had requested him to answer the question of the hon. and learned Member. The House was of course aware that Convocation met in consequence of a summons from the Crown, and it was also, no doubt, aware that Convocation had no power to make canons or make changes without an express licence from the Crown, therefore any such proceeding which might be taken this year, being without the licence of the Crown, would be invalid. The usual course was for the Archbishop of Canterbury to prorogue the Convocation a few days after its first meeting. There was no reason to suppose that the Archbishop of Canterbury would not pursue that course upon the present occasion, but should be not do so, it would become the duty of the advisers of the Crown to interpose, as it was inexpedient that the sittings of Convocation should be prolonged merely for the sake of discussion.