HC Deb 30 July 1903 vol 126 cc915-6
MR. BRYNMOR JONES

To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether any correspondence has taken place between him and the Bishop of Worcester in regard to the alleged illegal practices of the incumbent of St. Jude's, Birmingham; and, if so, whether he will lay the correspondence upon the Table of the House.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think the hon. and learned Gentleman somewhat mistakes my functions in this matter. I do my best, in recommending clergymen for preferment in the gift of the Crown, to make the selection which will be in the best interest, of the parishes in which they have to work. But, once appointed, I have no control over them. No duty lies upon me, nor is it possible that any duty should lie upon me, to investigate their subsequent behaviour or to hold any official correspondence either with the Bishop or anybody else in their regard.