HC Deb 26 March 1895 vol 32 cc161-2
*MR. J. A. CAMPBELL (Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a statement in Resolutions of the Committee of the Church and State of the Free Church, adopted January, 1895, and authorised for publication, to the effect that it has been announced for the first time that, during the present Session, a Government Bill will be presented to Parliament intended to terminate the present Establishment of the Church in Scotland; and whether the statement is correct; and, if so, when and where such announcement was made?

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

I am not responsible for the statement in the Resolution to which my attention has been called by the hon. Member. I can only refer him to the reply given by me on the 14th of February to the hon. Member for South Lanarkshire, which I have no doubt he heard at the time it was made.

SIR MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to bring in a Bill to Disestablish and Disendow the Church of Scotland; and, if not, is it the intention of the Government to adopt as their own, and give facilities to the passing of the Church of Scotland Bill of the hon. Member for the College Division?

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given by me to the hon. Member for Lanarkshire, which he probably heard at the time it was made.

SIR M. STEWART

With all respect to the right hon. Gentleman, in the reply he refers to be does not answer the second part of my question.

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

Yes, the hon. Member will find it there.

MR. J. H. C. HOZIER (Lanarkshire, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will give facilities for passing the Bill for Disestablishing the Church of Scotland brought in by the hon. Member for the College Division?

SIR G. O. TREVELYAN

I did not reply to that question, I admit. I think that question should be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

SIR W. HARCOURT

I have not facilities at my disposal