§ Order for Second Reading read.
* SIR R. WEBSTERThis is a Bill simply for the purpose of enabling the Lord Chancellor to apply certain funds already in his hands for the purpose of augmenting the revenues of certain livings and to enable the Lord Chancellor to contribute to the improvement of parsonage houses, providing the incumbent provides a similar sum to that proposed to be contributed.
Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ MR. DILLWYN (Swansea)Last Session the Second Reading of this Bill was moved by the Attorney General without explanation. Now he has brought it on again, and I regret that he has not given us a longer description of it. He assumes it is a harmless Bill, but it seems to me that there is a good deal in it which is objectionable.
* SIR R. WEBSTERIt only enables the Lord Chancellor to deal with the proceeds of certain small livings in order that he may out of the proceeds thereof augment the incomes of other livings.
§ MR. DILLWYNI object altogether to the principle which is embodied in this Bill. I object to the proposal which renders it necessary that before the Lord Chancellor contributes towards any particular object defined in this Bill, the incumbent must take the hat round in order to get a sum equal to that proposed to be contributed. I do not think the Bill can properly be discussed now. There are a great many Members interested in the measure who are now absent, and did not expect it would come on, and I therefore beg to move the adjournment of the debate.
Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Dillwyn).
* SIR R. WEBSTERIf it is desired to have further discussion, I will not oppose the Motion. I should have thought, however, that it would have been possible to discuss the matter in Committee.
Debate adjourned till Monday, 17th June.