§ 46. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister if in view of the obligation on the King's printers to reprint the Book of Common Prayer in correct and authentic form, he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to protect the printers in circumstances such as those which preceded the publication of the Shorter Prayer Book.
§ The Prime MinisterI am advised that the printers do not need protection in respect of the publication of the Shorter Prayer Book.
§ Mr. DribergCould my right hon. Friend say on what grounds that advice is based, since this publication was clearly 832 the result of unconstitutional action by the bishops?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is the advice I have. If my hon. Friend has any other question on the legal aspect, perhaps he would put it to the Attorney-General.
§ Professor SavoryIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that under the Act of Uniformity of 1662 any deviation from the Prayer Book attached to that Act is illegal; that the Prayer Book can be altered only by this Parliament; and what steps will he take to protect the rights of Parliament?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my right hon. Friend aware that the King's printers have been put in a very invidious position in this matter; that there is a great deal of ecclesiastical and episcopal anarchy surrounding it; and will he, at least in the case of the bishops, represent that a great many churchpeople are seriously disturbed that this Shorter Prayer Book has been put out without any proper authority behind it?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not my responsibility to advise the bishops.
§ Mr. DribergWould my right hon. Friend not agree that, from the bishops' own point of view, it would be unfortunate if wider issues of the relationship of Church and State should arise out of this kind of hasty action on their part?