§ Lord Hawkesbury ,after adverting generally to the nature of this bill, which stood for commitment that evening, said it was a proceeding which, if entered upon according to the order, would materially interfere with the discussion of business of great national importance. The bill, he conceived to be of that nature as urgently to require a speedy discussion. He would therefore move, and to which he hoped no serious objection would be entertained, that the committee on the bill be deferred till Friday, the 26th of April.
The Bishop of Oxfordhad no objection to enter upon the discussion of the princi- 192 ple of the bill, at any time it should seem proper to their lordships. He had reason to believe, that he should be able to prove to their lordships, that it was a measure extremely necessary, and unattended with any of the disadvantages which were apprehended as likely to result from it.
§ Lord Grenvilleexpressed his opinion that the bill, to which he was favourably inclined, was one of considerable importance. He was aware of the beneficial tendency of a mixed patronage with respect to clerical preferments; at the same time, he saw no necessity for restraining the universities from their due share in that patronage; as no body or corporation whatever could, he conceived, exercise an extensive right of patronage more beneficially to the interests of religion, or of learning, and, with respect to the interest of the latter, he conceived that a quick succession to the livings would be advantageous.
The Earl of Suffolktook occasion to advert to the bill which passed not long since, for ameliorating the condition of the poorer orders of the clergy. The leading provisions of that bill, he understood, were as yet nugatory; and it was his intention, on a future day, to bring the subject before their lordships. He had several letlers from curates upon the subject; some of which, without stating names, he intended to communicate to the house. He expected more letters on the subject; perhaps what he then said would operate in some degree as an advertisement to that body of men to send him more communications of a similar nature.
The Duke of Norfolkexpressed his understanding that some important modifications to the bill were intended.
The Bishop of Oxford ,in explanation, observed, that he had consulted those the most competent to advise upon the subject; and had maturely considered it himself; and the result was, that the bill was produced in its present form. It may, however, admit of some modifications; but, in his mind, it needed none; and that the exigency of the case required such an act should be passed.—The question was put, and the committee on the bill deferred till the above-mentioned day.