HC Deb 25 July 1963 vol 681 cc1771-2
Q2. Mr. John Page

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to enable the House in future to discuss the reports of the Ecclesiastical Committee on Measures presented by the Church Assembly for its consideration, so that hon. Members may have the opportunity of expressing their opinions before being presented with a completed Measure which they have the option of approving or rejecting but not of amending.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. I do not think it would be right for the Government to take an initiative of this kind.

Mr. Page

While realising the difficulties of my right hon. Friend in this connection, because of the tradition of leaving the discussion of these matters to the Church Assembly, may I ask whether he realises how many hon. Members on both sides of the House do not wish to come to a real disagreement with the Church Assembly merely by being presented with a fait accompli which they cannot do anything but either accept or refuse?

The Prime Minister

This is inherent in the system under which we operate, and I do not think it would be wise for the Government to intervene.

Mr. G. Thomas

In view of the possibility of ill feeling growing between the Church of England and this House if major proposals are made that we are unable in any way to amend, could not the Prime Minister make representations to the effect that when major reforms are initiated which are likely to be controversial, some informal consultation between this House and the Church could be established?

The Prime Minister

That is a rather different matter. Informal consultation is one thing but I am asked for a Government alteration of a system which has been operating for some years, on the whole I think successfully.