§ MR. GODDARD (Ipswich)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the case of the two Nonconformist ministers who have resigned their seats on the Ipswich Board of Guardians, the clerk having advised the Board that Nonconformist ministers who receive fees for the burial of paupers in parochial cemeteries are thereby disqualified to act as guardians; whether the law has such effect; and whether in that case the clergy of the Church of England are subject to the same disability; and if there is inequality between the clergy of the Established Church and Nonconformist 1170 ministers whether he will propose an alteration of the law to put an end to such injustice.
§ * THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.The Local Government Board have no authority to decide this question. If, however, as I understand, no bargain or contract is entered into between the guardians and the minister, but the arrangement for the performance of the funeral is made by the undertaker, I am advised that the minister would not become disqualified to act as guardian by reason of his receiving a payment for his services, although the payment might be ultimately borne by the guardians. I am also advised that the receipt of a fee payable by custom or under statutory authority to a clergyman in connection with a pauper funeral would not disqualify him from acting as guardian.