The BISHOP of SALISBURYentirely concurred in the principle of the Bill; but as there were considerable difficulties connected with the subject, he ventured to suggest that it would be desirable to refer it to a Select Committee. He would therefore suggest to his right rev. Friend (the Bishop of Oxford) that the preferable course would be to refer the Bill to a Select Committee.
The BISHOP of OXFORDsaid, if their Lordships were of opinion generally that the Bill should be referred to a Select Committee, he had not the least objection to that course, though, individually, he thought sufficient reason had not been shown for so doing, inasmuch as the objections taken to the Bill were such as he was prepared to provide for by amendment in Committee—some of which he had perceived after the Bill was printed. He could not, therefore, acquiesce in the proposal for sending the Bill to a Select Committee; but having, as he conceived, done his duty, he was prepared to submit the matter to their Lordships' judgment.
§ After a few words from the EARL of DERBY and the BISHOP of OXFORD,
§ Order discharged; and Bill referred to a Select Committee.
§ House adjourned till To-morrow.