§ 48. Mr. BLUNDELLasked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to give 1304 facilities for a Bill which, while leaving undisturbed the provisions of the Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement, and consequently the succession of the Crown in the Protestant line, will in other respects place His Majesty's Catholic subjects on a footing of civil and religious equality with the rest of His Majesty's subjects?
§ Mr. CLYNESSo far as this Session is concerned, the answer is in the negative. As regards the future, I cannot give any undertaking without knowing more of the disabilities the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. BLUNDELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer denies the proposition that all sections of His Majesty's subjects should be on a footing of equality?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am certainly not aware of that.
§ Mr. BUCHANANSeeing that all this has arisen out of an action in Scotland where Catholics have been denied certain rights, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that this is creating among a minority of people who are, on the whole, as good subjects as others, a good deal of apprehension, and will he give us an opportunity of discussing the whole question?
§ Mr. MORELIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the incident to which allusion has been made is causing very great indignation in many parts of Scotland, and many Scottish Members have been literally bombarded by representations on the subject?
§ Mr. CLYNESIf it be true that, for the reasons stated, disabilities are being suffered, I shall be glad to have information on the subject.