§ The Earl of Aberdeenrose to ask a question of the noble Viscount opposite, respecting the commission which was last year appointed to inquire into the claims put forth for additional church accommodation in Scotland. His opinion was still unchanged as to the duty of Government to have acted upon their own responsibility in respect to that application, without appointing any commission of the kind. The inquiry having, however, been instituted, it of course became a matter of interest that the result should be made known without any unnecessary delay. He believed that the commission had already had an opportunity of making a very full inquiry into this matter, and he wished to know from the noble Viscount opposite, whether it was likely that a Report would appear in the course of the present Session? The expense of the commission during the past year had amounted, he believed, to no less than 10,000l., and if it were to continue much longer at this rate, it would soon swallow up the whole amount in the first instance required in aid by the Church of Scotland.
§ Viscount Melbournereplied, that he apprehended no Report had as yet been made by the commission alluded to, but such a Report, he believed, was in a state of forwardness, and would soon be printed. He still entertained the opinion, that the appointment of this commission was absolutely necessary before Government could act in the matter, and such being the case, the expense would, of course, be borne by the country.