HL Deb 28 February 1861 vol 161 c1060
VISCOUNT DUNGANNON

asked the most rev. Primate, Whether any Measure, approved by Convocation, and sanctioned by the Episcopal Bench, is to be introduced during the present Session relative to the Amendment or Alteration of the existing Law in regard to Dilapidation of Glebe Houses? On a former occasion, when he asked the same question, he was given to understand that the subject had been taken up by the right rev. Bench and the Government, and that a Bill was in preparation to be introduced into the other House of Parliament; but through some mistake or delay the Bill was not introduced last Session. It was a matter of great importance to the parochial clergy of the country.

THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

said he felt obliged to the noble Viscount for taking so much interest in this matter. He certainly had hoped that before this time a Bill would have passed into law, but it had been prevented by unforeseen circumstances. There was a general wish among the clergy that the question should be settled, but a difference of opinion existed, and he had no hope of any Bill passing through Parliament unless they could obtain the assistance of the Government. Such a Bill had been drawn up, and was now being considered in a shape in which it was hoped it would receive the Government support.

VISCOUNT DUNGANNON

hoped that it might at any rate be introduced, and it might be circulated through the country, and the opinions of the clergy taken on it preparatory to legislation next year.