HC Deb 26 May 1892 vol 4 cc1922-4
MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government intend this Session to introduce legislation for the re-union of the Presbyterian Churches of Scotland upon a national basis, and the re-distribution of ecclesiastical endowments in that country, in order to carry out the Resolution of the hon. Member for Inverness, adopted by the Government on Tuesday night?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I observe that the Resolution passed on Tuesday states that it is highly desirable that the Presbyterian Churches of Scotland should be re-united upon a national basis. That is the opinion expressed by the House and shared by the Government, who would be glad to introduce legislation to smooth the way towards the ultimate consummation of the wish expressed in the Resolution.

MR. BUCHANAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to bring in a Bill?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am not aware that any legislation is required at the present moment, or that the question is ripe for legislation.

MR. BUCHANAN

Are we to understand that the course taken by the Government on Tuesday was not meant to convey any intention of giving practical effect to the Resolution?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Resolution expressed the opinion that a certain object was desirable, but in order that that object might be attained, it would be necessary for the Presbyterian Churches themselves to take steps towards re-union. Legislation must be preceded by some spontaneous act on the part of the Churches.

MR. BUCHANAN

I wish to know whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to a report in the Times of to-day of the proceedings of the General Assembly of the Established Church in Scotland, and whether he has observed that when a motion similar to that of the hon. and learned Member for Inverness was brought forward a large and important minority, led by leading Churchmen like Dr. Story and Dr. Donald MacLeod, divided against the resolution, and would have nothing to do with it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have not seen the report referred to, but I am glad to hear from the hon. Gentleman that the action to which he has drawn attention was only the action of a minority.

MR. ANGUS SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)

Will the right hon. Member undertake to re-introduce the Bill proposed in a former Session by the hon. and learned Member for Inverness, or to introduce some Bill like it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I must ask that notice be given of the question.

DR. CLARK (Caithness)

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is likely to be legislation on the subject?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have already explained that some action on the part of the Churches concerned is required before legislation can be initiated. At all events, I am not in a position at present to propose legislation dealing with the subject.

MR. BUCHANAN

Then the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Government, assented to the Resolution without the least intention of carrying it into effect?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

On the contrary, I have expressed my desire that it should be carried into effect.

MR. BUCHANAN

The right hon. Gentleman had no such intention—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!