HC Deb 23 January 1929 vol 224 cc162-3
25. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an opportunity for discussion of the Motion on Ecclesiastical Powers standing in the name of the right hon. Member for New-castle-under-Lyme (Colonel Wedgwood) and others? —[That, in the opinion of this House, it is desirable to reaffirm the Resolution of this House passed on 15th December, 1640, namely, that The Clergy of England, convented in any Convention, Synod, or otherwise, have no power to make any Constitutions, Canons, or Acts -whatsoever, in matters of Doctrine, Discipline, or otherwise, without common consent of Parliament.]

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend can hold out no hope of facilities being given for the discussion of this Motion.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, in view of the indications that the present Bench of Bishops contemplate issuing for use the Prayer Book recently rejected by this House, it is desirable either to reaffirm the ancient Resolution of this honourable House or to reserve promotion in the (Church of England to those clerks who do not disobey the laws of the land, or resent the control by the State, or disregard the Thirty-nine Articles of Re-ligion to which they swore allegiance at their ordination?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman is, I think, going considerably beyond the terms of his question. He asked my right hon. Friend whether he could give an opportunity for the discussion of a certain Resolution on the Paper, and the answer that I have given, on behalf of the Prime Minister, is that there is no hope of any such opportunity, certainly this Session.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

But does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Prime Minister would desire to have reaffirmed by this House the ancient Resolution, as to the supremacy of this House in matters of faith?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

If that had been the question which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman had addressed to the Prime Minister, I have no doubt my right hon. Friend would have provided a satisfactory answer.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does not the Home Secretary think that enough mischief has already been done by this House attempting to dominate the Bishops?