§ Lords' Amendment considered.
§ SIR DAVID WEDDERBURNsaid, he rose to move in Clause 20, page 9, line 7, to leave out the word "male." If the word were retained, the patronage would be invested in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, who would have to appoint the minister in accordance with the desire expressed by the majority of the male communicants. Now, he thought that in a matter of this kind, the female members of the congregation would take a very strong interest, and would be glad to give effect to their opinions by taking part in the election of the minis- 1567 ter. He might mention that the former Acts, which were somewhat numerous, vested the patronage in the hands of the communicants generally, and not in those of the male communicants exclusively. The present might, perhaps, be an unfavourable occasion for raising this question, and if he found that the learned Lord Advocate was unwilling to support his Amendment, he would not venture to press it.
§ THE LORD ADVOCATESir, I shall not now go into the merits of the question which has been raised by the hon. Baronet. Indeed, the present is not a suitable opportunity for discussing the matter. This is almost a local Bill. There has been a long and bitter strife in Scotland as to its adoption, and large sacrifices and concessions have been made on both sides, in order to arrive at a settlement of the question. This is not a suitable occasion for determining the general question of woman's rights; and I am not disposed to send back the Bill to the House of Lords in order that that subject should be re-considered there. Consequently, I shall support the Lords' Amendment.
§ Motion made, and Question, "That this House doth disagree with The Lords in the said Amendment,"—(Sir David Wedderburn,)—put, and negatived.
§ Lords' Amendment agreed to.
§ Blank in the Bill filled up.