§ LORD ERNEST BRUCEsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether some arrangement could be made for the celebration of Divine Service in the Crypt of St. Stephen's, now perfectly ready for that purpose, once on Sundays during the Session of Parliament?
MR. GLADSTONEI believe, Sir, my noble Friend is perfectly right in his statement, that the crypt of St. Stephen's has been prepared at a considerable expense for the celebration of Divine service. But with regard to the arrangements for that purpose the Government consider that it rather rests with the House of Commons itself than with them to take the initiative. Consequently, I do not think we should be prepared to make any proposition on this subject until multiplied indications, like that just given, lead us to believe that it would be in conformity with the general wish of the House.