HC Deb 24 July 1867 vol 189 cc34-5

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."—(Mr. Hardcastle.)

MR. ACLAND

said, he had notified his intention of moving the re-committal of the Bill for the purpose of considering the following additional clause:— The restoration or rebuilding of any Church situated in a parish in which a landowner has land, or the building of a new Church in such parish, shall be deemed to be an improvement of land within "The Improvement of Land Act, 1864," and all the provisions of the said Act shall apply accordingly; moreover, for the purposes of the said Act as amended by this section, an Archbishop, Bishop, Rector, or Vicar, or other person holding any ecclesiastical benefice, shall be deemed to be a landowner in respect of the lands held by him in respect of his see or benefice. He thought it advisable that in passing a Bill of this nature provision should be made by which equitable and voluntary arrangements on the part of landowners for the support of the Church fabrics in rural places might be facilitated. As the landlords were likely to benefit by the abolition of church rates, it was only right that an opportunity should be afforded them of voluntarily and permanently aiding the Church funds. Since the Bill passed through Committee, he had used his utmost exertions to ascertain the views of right hon. and hon. Gentlemen upon this subject; but he had been totally unable to ascertain their opinions or to obtain their support to the adoption of any intermediate course. As hon. Gentlemen on his own side of the House were anxious to send this Bill to the Lords, he should, in the absence of any indications of support from the other side of the House not propose his Resolution.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."—(Mr. Gorst.)

Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 129; Noes 99: Majority 30.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the third time, and passed.