HC Deb 29 May 1952 vol 501 c1637
8. Mr. Healy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation before the Coronation repealing the Ecclesiastical Titles Act, 1870.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Her Majesty's Government do not propose to introduce such legislation.

Mr. Healy

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman think the time opportune to wipe out these discriminations, which were directed mainly against the people of one faith and which are the last relic of an intolerant era?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Again I am sorry to find myself in disagreement with the Questioner. I think such legislation might well be controversial and it might provoke sectarian feelings, which are so much less than they were in times past. Practically, there is nothing to prevent the Roman Catholics from using territorial titles among themselves.