§ MR. HALLEY STEWART (Lincolnshire, Spalding), asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Bishop of St. Albans, having been requested to institute an inquiry into the facts connected with the removal and breaking up of lead coffins from the vault of the Combe family in Hemel Hempsted Church, and the placing of the remains in a hole in the churchyard, has replied that he is advised that he has no power to institute such an inquiry, and has suggested that the only legal remedy is by proceedings under the Church Discipline Acts; and whether, under these circumstances, the Government will undertake to institute such proceedings, or will afford assistance to the descendant of the Combe family, who is the complaining party?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo, Sir, I have had no communication with the Bishop of St. Albans on this matter, and I have no information as to any proceedings having been taken before him. I have already pointed out in this House that if any such facts as are alleged have taken place, there is a legal remedy which it is in the power of any person aggrieved to enforce in a sum 839 mary way. The consent of the Secretary of State is not necessary to such proceedings, and under these circumstances the Government are not prepared to take any further action in the matter.