§ 58. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Home Secretary is not a member of the Church of England in the ordinary acceptancee of the term; and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider the desirability of his any longer remaining an Ecclesiastical Commissioner, and what steps he proposes to take in regard thereto?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is customary for the Home Secretary to be the Secretary of State appointed to act as an Ecclesiastical Commissioner. My right hon. Friend has never attended any meeting, and informs me he has no intention of doing so. In these circumstances I shall probably think it my duty to advise the Crown to appoint one of the other Secretaries of State on the Commission.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say what action was taken when Mr. Henry Matthews was Home Secretary from 1886 to 1892?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know, but I have no doubt another Secretary of State was appointed.