§ LORD RAVENSWORTHdesired to put some questions for the sole purpose of obtaining information upon a subject which had excited considerable interest within the See of Durham. It was understood that there was contemplated a redistribution of the patronage attaching to the See of Durham, and to hand over a portion of it to augment the patronage of the Sees of Ripon and Manchester. He wished to know whether any such scheme was in contemplation; if so, to what extent was there to be a transfer of patronage, when and how that change was to be effected, and whether any opportunity would be given to the House to express an opinion upon the policy of such proceeding.
§ THE EARL OF CHICHESTERwas understood to say that a scheme of the nature 1270 mentioned by the noble Lord was under the consideration of the Ecclesiastical Commission, but not yet decided upon. Under an Act of the 6 & 7 Will. IV. power was given to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to exchange ecclesiastical patronage according to the relative importance and magnitude of the sees. He could not say when that measure would be decided upon, but he thought the subject was one that required a speedy determination. He did not see how any opportunity could be afforded to Parliament to discuss the subject, except by the introduction of a Bill to repeal the existing law.