§ MR. WOODALL (Hanley)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is his intention to institute legal proceedings against those Bishops who, in consequence of the passing of the Burial Act of 1880, have refused, or may refuse, to consecrate cemeteries in their dioceses?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (MR. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)No, Sir. The Secretary of State has no authority or jurisdiction over Bishops, and no legal proceedings can be instituted against Bishops who refuse to consecrate cemeteries. The Archbishop of the Province has power to decide any dispute that may arise in consequence of such refusal.