HL Deb 01 July 1856 vol 143 cc110-1

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

was understood to say that he entertained strong objections to some of the clauses of this measure, which involved questions of much gravity and importance connected with the recognised rights of the clergy; and suggested that the Bill should be referred to a Select Committee upstairs.

Amendment moved to leave out from "That" to the end of the Motion, and insert "The Burial Acts be referred to a Select Committee, to consider and report thereon to the House."

LORD PORTMAN

agreed that the course recommended by the most rev. Prelate was likely to avoid a very disagreeable discussion. He (Lord Portman) could have no objection to submit the question before their Lordships to a Select Committee, and he trusted that the result would be a restoration of that harmony which existed before the present unfortunate course of legislation embodied in the Burial Acts was adopted. He should be sorry that any hasty attempt at amendment should lead to an extension of ill-will, and he was therefore ready to withdraw this Bill and submit the whole subject to a Select Committee.

THE EARL OF MALMESBURY

entirely agreed with his noble Friend opposite (Lord Portman), that the course suggested by the most rev. Prelate was the best that could be adopted under the circumstances. There was only one serious object in view, and that was to prevent any increase of dissension in the course pursued. He hoped that when the Select Committee met upstairs, difficulties might be arranged. Afterwards, those who were fond of discussion and polemics would get the Act of Parliament instead.

LORD REDESDALE

said, the principle involved in this Bill was one which he hoped no noble Lord would for a moment support. He was surprised that any one of their Lordships should propose such a Bill, the effect of which was to make the Secretary of State judge of what the Bishops ought to do in a matter purely ecclesiastical; and, further, to enact that when a burial-ground had been so constituted as not to meet with the approbation of the Bishop of the diocese, or of the Archbishop of the province, the Secretary of State might approve it.

Motion, as Amended, agreed to; and the Bill was (by leave of the House), withdrawn.

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