HC Deb 16 May 1867 vol 187 cc687-8
MR. MACEVOY

moved for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into and report upon the operation of the Act 14 & 15 Vict. c. 60 (the Ecclesiastical Titles Act), and so much of the Act, 10 Geo. IV. c. 7. (the Catholic Relief Act), as is contained in s. 24.

MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

complained that no explanation had been given by the Government on this subject.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I regret that this Motion has been made, and that the subject was brought forward on another occasion at so late an hour that the attendance of the House was very slight. I understand that this Motion for a Committee originated in this way. Some conversation with respect to the Act in question occurred in "another place," and Lord Derby made some observations on the Act, which he, and most other persons, considered extremely inefficient. He then expressed the opinion that he thought the repeal of the Act might be misinterpreted, and might lead to great excitement and acerbity of feeling; but as it had been stated that the Roman Catholic Church was materially impeded in the exercise of its legitimate duties by the operation of this Act, he thought that was a subject which it was reasonable on the whole to inquire into. He therefore agreed that a Committee should be appointed to inquire into the matter, so that if there be any grievance it may be proved. That is the origin of the inquiry, and I think the matter a legitimate subject for investigation.

Motion agreed to.

Select Committee appointed, "to inquire into and report upon the operation of the Act 14 and 15 Vic., c. 60. (the Ecclesiastical Titles Act), and so much of the Act 10 Geo. 4, c. 7 (the Roman Catholic Relief Act), as is contained in s. 24."—(Mr. MacEvoy.)

And, on June 25, Select Committee nominated as follows:—Mr. MACEVOY, Mr. WALPOLE, Mr. GREGORY, Mr. HOWES, Mr. COLERIDGE, Mr. ATTORNEY GENERAL for IRELAND: — And, on June 27, Mr. M'KENNA, The JUDGE ADVOCATE, Mr. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE, Mr. WILLIAM EDWARD FORSTER, Mr. HENRY AUSTIN BRUCE, Mr. BENTINCK, Lord FREDERICK CAVENDISH, and Mr. BRETT added:—Power to send for persons, papers, and records; Five to be the quorum.