§ SIR MASSEY LOPESsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he does not consider that the provisions of the Bishops' Resignation Bill of last Session might not with great advantage be extended to the other dignitaries, as well as to the Beneficed Clergy of the Established Church generally, who either from infirmity or other physical disability are unable effectively to discharge their duties?
MR. GLADSTONEIn answer, Sir, to the hon. Baronet, I have to say that I think it would not be possible to extend the Bill of last Session, which was intended for Bishops only, to other dignitaries and clergy of the Established Church, because their case, from the nature of the patronage to be exercised, and especially from its marketable character, offers considerable difficulties that do not occur in the case of Bishops. Therefore, I think a measure on the subject would require a great deal of care in the framing of it. But certainly, as far as my opinion goes, I agree with 1495 what appears to be indicated in the Question of the hon. Baronet, and I think that a Bill to provide, under proper conditions, for the retirement of beneficed clergy and dignitaries unable effectively to discharge their duties would be of great advantage to the Church.