HC Deb 14 July 1908 vol 192 cc601-2
MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the solemnisation of matrimony cannot be performed in unconsecrated military chapels without a special licence; whether there are instances in which licences to marry have been granted to unconsecrated civil chapels; and, if so, whether there is any ecclesiastical, legal, or military obstacle to granting licences to marry to all military chapels in India which are unconsecrated; and, if so, what are these obstacles.

MR. BUCHANAN

The Secretary of State is advised that by the law in India an Anglican clergyman may solemnise a marriage in an unconsecrated building, provided it is a place where worship is generally held according to the forms of the Church of England. There appears, therefore, to be no necessity for a special licence in such cases.

MR. PIRIE

Can a Presbyterian at this moment celebrate matrimony in an Anglican Church?

MR. BUCHANAN

I do not think so.

MR. PIRIE

I will repeat that Question.