§ MR. BUTLERsaid, he had a question to put to the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of which he had not been able to give him notice. He wished to know what steps the Government intend taking to remove the feelings of surprise and disgust which have been excited, not only in the neighbourhood of the parish of St. Barnabas, but also throughout the length and breadth of the land, by the disclosure of the practices of the Rev. Mr. Poole at the confessional. Was the right hon. Gentleman aware that yesterday another clergyman of St. Barnabas had declared that—
Whoever endeavoured to hinder the ecclesiastical system as established in the district was guilty of the sin of murder. The church of St. Barnabas more than ever demanded their support, as it was not merely the church of a district, but in some sense the church of the whole country, for from it went forth an influence which permeated the land. The friends of God's holy Catholic truth looked on St. Barnabas as their centre and model.He wished to know whether the Govern- 2017 ment are in communication with the proper ecclesiastical authorities, in order to punish all who are taking a part in this abominable wickedness?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, the inquiries of the hon. Gentleman—of which he has given me no notice—refer to a great variety of particulars, some of which he admits only happened yesterday. Upon reflection, therefore, I think he will find it more convenient, and more in accordance with the Rules of the House, to put on the paper a notice of the questions he wishes to ask, which will then be answered in due course.
§ MR. BUTLERsaid he would repeat the question to-morrow.