§ MR. PAUL (Northampton)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether Letters
† See (4) Debates, clxii., 459–461.55 of Business have been issued to the Convocations of Canterbury and York; for what purpose these bodies have been summoned to meet next month; whether Letters of Business give them any legal powers which they do not otherwise possess, and whether the Letters themselves, with any communications from the Government to the two Archbishops which might have accompanied them, will be laid upon the Table of the House.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIt has been customary to issue Letters of Business where the Convocation desired to consider special matters relating to the Church of England. It is at least doubtful whether they could otherwise freely debate and pass Resolutions in regard to the Report of the Ritual Commission. His Majesty's Government were not responsible for summoning Convocation, but are informed that it is intended there to discuss the Report referred to. The Letters of Business were issued at the express request of the two Archbishops, who were informed, when their request was acceded to, that His Majesty's Government retained their complete freedom of judgment and action on the subject. There is no objection to laying Papers if they are moved for.