§ Mr. M'ARTHURasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Lord Bishop of London has issued regulations sanctioning the ceremonial use of incense in his diocese, although this practice has been condemned by the Court of Arches and declared by the Lambeth tribunal to be non-permissible in the ritual of the Church of England, the same bishop having also permitted the introduction of illegal vestments and other irregularities; and whether he proposes to take any action, legislative or otherwise, to prevent the law being overridden, and to ensure to clergy and laity their right to a legal performance of divine worship in the diocese of London?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have been in communication with the Bishop of London on this subject. He informs me that no change has been made in any of the matters referred to in the hon. Member's question during the last eight years, and no fresh regulations have been issued with regard to them. The only change in the situation which has occurred is that in a sermon preached a few weeks ago at All Saints, Margaret-street, by the Bishop, he announced that he would not hesitate now to be present at the use of incense, where the regulations made by his predecessor and continued by himself were loyally observed. The use of incense on this occasion was not what is called ceremonial use. I do not propose to take any action.