HC Deb 08 July 1859 vol 154 cc862-3
MR. MAGUIRE

said, he wished to ask Whether it is intended to introduce, on the part of the Government, any measure for the repeal or modification of the Oath now taken by Catholic Members of Parliament; and, if so, when they will be prepared to lay such measure on the table?

MR. J. D. FITZGERALD

said, it was not the intention of the Government to introduce any measure on the subject during the present Session of Parliament. He would remind the hon. Member that when a Bill on the subject was introduced last Session it met with great opposition. He only alluded to that circumstance to show how difficult it would be to deal with the question in the present Session. He might state that a measure would be unquestionably considered by the Government during the recess, and he had reason to expect that in the next Session a Bill for the modification of the Oath would be brought under the consideration of the House.