HC Deb 12 August 1867 vol 189 c1339
MR. WHALLEY

said, he rose to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether it will be convenient for him to explain the reason witnesses of one side only have been examined before the Committee on the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. CHATTERTON)

said, it would have been more convenient if the Question had been addressed to the Chairman of the Committee; but he understood that the Committee thought the onus lay upon those who desired the change to show cause for it, and consequently they only were examined. It was not necessary to examine witnesses as to any matter of fact in reference to the maintenance of the existing law, and to examine them upon theological questions would merely have taken up time to no purpose.

MR. WHALLEY

But seeing the result, and the Report which has been adopted on that ex parte Evidence, I wish to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman, whether he still retains that view?