HC Deb 01 January 1913 vol 46 cc363-4
56. Mr. KING

asked the the right hon. Member for Morpeth, as chairman of the Public Petitions Committee, if he will state how many petitions, if any, have been presented from Ireland against the Established Church (Wales) Bill?

Mr. BURT

There have been no petitions against the Bill for Ireland.

Mr. RUPERT GWYNNE

Were there any petitions from Ireland in favour of the Bill?

57. Mr. KING

asked the right hon. Member for Morpeth, as chairman of the Public Petitions Committee, whether he proposes to put a notice on the Order Paper giving effect to the recommendation of the Special Report of the Select Committee on Public Petitions that the petition from Llanbadrig against the Established Church (Wales) Bill be rejected?

Mr. BURT

The petition mentioned has been condemned and rejected by the unanimous vote of the Committee. I should have felt inclined to leave the matter without expression of opinion, but if I find that further steps are necessary to give effect to the recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee, those steps will be taken.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to find out who are the forgers and fabricators of these names?

Mr. BURT

I do not think that any steps have been taken.

Mr. KING

Is it not desirable to make it known as widely as possible to the public the conditions under which petitions can be presented to this House?

Mr. BURT

There are printed instructions which are widely disseminated. Those who wish to present petitions ought to make themselves acquainted with the Rules of the House.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is not this but one petition among a great many thousands?

Mr. KING

But is it not typical of many?