§ Earl Stanhopealso observed, that he wished to call their lordships' attention to another very important subject. With respect to persons holding certain religious tenets, there were two opinions, the one that they should be admitted to hold civil offices, and the other that they should be disqualified from holding offices; but both parties were agreed in the justice of toleration. Upon this latter point, however, in consequence of some recent circumstances, many Protestant Dissenters, and even some members of the established Church, were liable to much oppression, to relieve them from which, he had also prepared a Bill, but thought it better not to name a day for 235 presenting it until after the discussion on the claims of his Majesty's Roman Catholic subjects in Ireland.