§ Order of the Day for the Third Reading read.
THE BISHOP OF OXFORDsaid, he was entirely in favour of the change proposed by the Bill. But he wished to observe that upon a representation that the measure would materially injure the families affected by it clauses had been introduced by the noble Lord; but he could not find that they would in any way touch the difficulties pointed out. There were certain livings the incumbent of which obtained the income upon which he lived by granting, say, at the expiration of every seven years, a lease of the property of the benefice—he received in fact the seven years' income in a lump. It was desired now that this system should be changed, and instead of letting the properly upon these leases the clergyman should receive an annual rent-charge. This he admitted was a very desirable change to make; but it did not appear to him to be just either to the parish in which the property happened to be situated or to the incumbent, that the proposed change should be made, without making some provision to bridge over the interval of fourteen years during which, under the operation of the Bill, the revenue of the parish would be suspended. He wished for some explanation as to the manner in which this difficulty was to be met.
§ LORD LYTTELTONmade a statement which was inaudible.
THE BISHOP OF LONDONrecommended that the third reading of the Bill should be postponed until its precise effect could be ascertained.
§ LORD LYTTELTONassented to this proposal.
§ Third Reading put off to Friday the 31st instant.