49. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Attorney-General whether he will consider the introduction of legislation to remove the ban upon men of illegitimate birth being admitted to Holy Orders in the Church of England?
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Terence O'Connor)I understand the position at the present moment is that before an illegitimate person can be ordained it is necessary for him to obtain a special dispensation from the Archbishop of Canterbury. No such disqualification exists under Statute law. Any suggested alteration is a matter for the Church Assembly to consider.