§ MR. BRAND (Cambridgeshire, Wisbech)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that the services held at St. Saviour's Church, Poplar, in connection with the decease of the Reverend R. Dolling, including vespers for the dead, the celebration of a requiem mass, the censing and aspersing of the coffin, and the pronouncement of absolution; and that at subsequent funeral service the Bishop of London and the Bishop of Stepney were copes; and, whether, in view of the prevalence among a section of the clergy of such practices, the Government will, by legislation or otherwise, take steps for facilitating the enforcement of the ecclesiastical law.
(Answer.) I am informed that the hon. Member is incorrect in stating that the bishops mentioned were present at the services described in the Question. On the contrary, the only service at which they were present was in strict conformity with the Prayer Book and was of the simplest possible kind. I understand that in wearing a cope on this occasion the bishops were acting legally. I have no information as to the character of any other services in this church of which the hon. Member complains.—(Treasury.)