§ 49. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether, with a view of carrying out more fully the unanimous Resolution of this House passed on 11th April, 1899, he will require all clergymen appointed as Army or Navy chaplains or to livings in the gift of the Crown to give an assurance that they will loyally obey the Prayer Book and the law as declared by the courts which have jurisdiction in matters ecclesiastical?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe assurances which are at present required from clergymen appointed to Crown livings appear to me the best means of carrying out the Resolution of the House. Army chaplains are selected for commissions by the chaplain-general, with whom I am in communication on the subject. As regards Navy chaplains, my hon. Friend should address himself to the First Lord of the Admiralty.
§ 50. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether the assurance now required to be given by a presentee to a living in the gift of the Crown that he will obey his bishop is to be construed as an undertaking that he will obey all orders whatever given by the bishop or as an undertaking that he will obey such orders as the bishop has canonical authority to give?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe undertaking is quite clear. It is that the presentee will obey the bishop of the diocese (subject always to the provisions of Statute Law) in matters of discipline and ceremonial. An assurance of canonical obedience is not accepted as sufficient.