§ MR. M'LARENasked the Lord Advocate, When he intends to introduce the Bill promised to be introduced on the part of the Government, two years ago, for the abolition of all assessments and rates for the erection and repairs of Churches and Manses in Scotland?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEI observe, Sir, that the Question of my hon. Friend contains a statement or assumption to the effect that I, on the part of the Go- 103 vernment, promised two years ago to introduce a measure for the abolition of all assessments and rates for the erection and repairs of churches and manses in Scotland. I presume my hon. Friend refers to the observations which I made on the 5th of July, 1871, upon the occasion of the second reading of the Bill which he then introduced. I have no doubt he has, in this assumption, set forth his own impression and belief as to the course I said I would take; but I by no means admit the accuracy of his belief, and if he will be good enough to refer to the report of what I did say, he will see that his Question is by no means accurate. What I said was, that I should endeavour to deal with the whole subject of the law relating to churches and manses in Scotland to the best of my ability as soon as a reasonable opportunity presented itself; but as to the time, I am not in a position to give any more definite reply.
§ MR. M'LARENI beg leave to give Notice that I shall take an early opporportunity to call attention to the delay in this and other matters of legislation affecting Scotland.