§ SIR D. BRYNMOR JONES (Swansea District)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to a public service held on Sunday,
†See (4) Debates, clxx., 1261.244 3rd March, 1907, at Holy Trinity Church, Broadstairs, in the diocese of Canterbury, in the course of which the following illegal acts were committed, the wearing of one or more of the mass vestments, the use of portable lights, the ceremonial mixing of the chalice, the introduction of a ceremonial closely resembling the lavabo, the elevation of a consecrated wafer with the words, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world," the introduction of secret prayers, and the secret reading of the Last Gospel, and at which there was no communicant except the celebrant; whether he is aware that among the ornaments of that church there are the the illegal ornaments known as the Stations of the Cross; whether his attention has also been drawn to a public service held on the same Sunday at St. Barnabas Church, Tunbridge Wells, in the diocese of Rochester, at which illegalities of a generally similar character were committed; and whether he can see his way to taking proceedings on behalf of the Crown against the incumbents of the above-mentioned churches.
§ THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (SIR JOHN WALTON, Leeds, S.)Yes, Sir, my attention has been drawn to the illegal practices referred to in this Question. The duty of enforcing compliance with ecclesiastical law rests upon the bishop of the diocese. I cannot discover any authority for the proposition that it is part of the office of the Attorney-General. If my hon. and learned friend, who is a most competent judge, considers there are grounds for an opposite opinion and will bring the case formally before the Director of Public Prosecutions, the subject will be fully considered.