§ Mr. PEARSONasked the Prime Minister whether he will state what is the reason for hurrying forward the Bill dealing with the King's Accession Oath; and if it is the intention of the Government, by bringing the Bill to a conclusion before the adjournment, to prevent the country from expressing its opinion?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)As I said last week, the Bill is being taken before the adjournment in response to what appears to be a general desire in the House. In our opinion, ample opportunity will have been afforded for the expression of public opinion.
§ Mr. MacNEILLasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, whereas all and every person or persons that is, or shall be reconciled to, or shall hold Communion with, the See or Church of Rome, or shall marry a Papist, shall be excluded under the provisions of the Bill of Rights or Act of Settlement, or be incapable for ever to inherit, possess, or enjoy the Crown or Government of this Realm, or to have, use, or exercise any regal power, authority, or jurisdiction with the same, and in all and every such case or cases the people of this Realm shall be, or are, thereby released of their allegiance, no penalty whatever is prescribed in the event of the neglect or refusal of the Sovereign to make, in the manner enjoined by these Statutes, the Declaration commonly known as the Accession Declaration; and what is the remedy, if any, for such neglect or refusal?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis is a purely legal question which I do not feel myself any more competent than my hon. and learned Friend to answer.
§ Mr. MacNEILLDoes the right hon. Gentleman hold my opinion in reference to it?