§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the steps taken by the Governor of Gibraltar to instal, under protection of the troops, the Vicar Apostolic in the Church of Santa Maria Coronada, were so taken by instructions from, Her Majesty's Government, or on the initiative of the Government; and, whether, in either case, the respective claims and rights of Her Majesty's Government, of the Vicar Apostolic, and of the Roman Catholic community, were previously submitted to a competent legal tribunal; and, if not, what steps were taken to ascertain the legality of the proceedings taken by the Governor?
§ MR. COURTNEYSir, the Governor was instructed to protect Dr. Canilla from molestation in going to and from the church, and in the performance of Divine offices there. The particular steps to betaken were left to his discretion; but his conduct has been entirely approved. The respective rights of the Crown, the Vicar Apostolic, and the Roman Catholic community were ascertained many years since; but it is, of course, open to anyone affected by the action of the Governor to test its legality by proceedings at law.
§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFWhen will Papers on the subject be laid on the Table?
§ MR. COURTNEYThey are in an advanced state of preparation.