§ THE EARL OF CHICHESTERasked the noble Earl (the Earl of Derby), Whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Ecclesiastical Commission Bill at present before the House?
§ THE EARL OF DERBYsaid, that the Bill had not been brought forward by the present Government, and they were not in any way responsible for it. He believed that it contained provisions which were likely to lead to considerable controversy; but if the noble Earl would consent to strike out those clauses which gave compulsory power to deal with the lands of Deans and Chapters, and would confine the measure to its less disputable provisions, the Government would give all the assistance in their power with the view to insure its passing in the course of the present Session.
§ THE EARL OF CHICHESTERsaid, he had no objection to limit the Bill to its working clauses, and he should be glad to see those clauses passed during the present Session.