HC Deb 21 July 1876 vol 230 cc1761-2

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [4th July], "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Assheton Cross.)

Question again proposed.

Debate resumed.

MR. DILLWYN

resumed his speech in opposition to the second reading of the Bill. Last year they created one new Bishopric, and now they proposed to create another, and if 500,000 population was to be the condition on which new Bishoprics were to be created, he did not see where they were to stop. For his own part, he would much rather increase the number of working clergy. He felt bound to enter his protest against the proposal, his opinion being that it was not desirable to create an additional number of Bishops throughout the country. The Bishops were at present numerous, and it was not desirable to multiply them. The hon. Member concluded by moving the rejection of the Bill.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."—(Mr. Dillwyn.)

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

hoped the opposition of the hon. Member would not be persisted in. His hon. Friend was, he knew, averse to any increase of the Episcopate. The question was whether there was any necessity for an increase of the Episcopate. He would not enter into that question now, because it had been fully discussed before that Session, and the general feeling was that an increase was desired. It was fully shown that the diocese of Exeter had grown too large to be worked by one Bishop, and that was why the Bill had been introduced. Further than that, the necessary funds were to be secured by voluntary subscription, one person guaranteeing no less than £1,200 a-year and the Bishop of Exeter giving £800 a-year during his life.

Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

The House divided:—Ayes 75; Noes 23: Majority 52.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.