THE CONFESSIONAL.—RESOLUTION.

HC Deb 03 July 1877 vol 235 cc750-1

MR. WHALLEY

moved— That, having regard to the state of the Law which renders the publication of an obscene book an offence, although the person publishing it be not actuated by any desire to deprave, and to the absence of any power in the Education Department to interfere with the religious teaching in public elementary schools or to make any inquiry thereon, this House is of opinion that the doctrines and practices set forth in a book entitled ' The Priest in Absolution,' and carried out under the name of the Confessional by certain clergymen of the Church of England, do tend to deprave and are dangerous to the best interests of society and of religion.

MR. MONK

seconded the Motion.

MR. ASSHETON CROSS

had only remarked that he had not seen the book and had not been able to procure a copy, when—

Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,

House adjourned at half after Twelve o'clock.