Lords Sitting of 27 February 1810

TOLERATION OF DISSENTERS.
Viscount Sidmouthrose, for the purpose of drawing the attention of their lordships to the returns of licensed preachers and places of worship, lately laid on their table, in consequence of the motion made by him last year. These licences extended from the year 1760 to 1808; but, although their nature and amount were such as must deeply impress upon the minds of their lordships the importance of the subject, he wished the return to be made still more complete; and, since this could be easily done, he should conclude with a motion to that end. Whatever steps it might be necessary to take respecting the object of his motion, he wished it to be distinctly understood, that he was by no means unfriendly to liberty of conscience; to a wise, liberal, and enlightened toleration. He would be the last to oppose any system of that kind, or to introduce measures subversive of it; yet so important did he consider the object which he had in view, that, should no one more qualified to accomplish it, take it up soon, he should, during the present session, feel it his duty to bring the question before that House. His lordship concluded by moving for returns of licensed preachers and places of worship in England and Wales, under the Act commonly called the Toleration Act, from the diocese records of each; and also, throughout the same countries, for returns of licences, granted at the quarter sessions for each county, to dissenting ministers, and for their places of worship. Both motions were to include all licences from 1760 to 1808.—Agreed to.