THE MARQUESS OF CLANRICARDEasked, Whether the Government are prepared to introduce a Bill either to repeal or modify the provisions of the Ecclesiastical Titles Act so far as relates to Ireland; and, if so, whether there is any objection to introduce such a measure into this House? He did not know the precise position in which Bishops of the Protestant Church would be placed after the Act of last year had come into operation; but if Prelates of one Church were allowed to assume territorial titles, it would obviously be inconsistent with religious equality that those of other Churches should be debarred from so doing. He also desired to know the intentions of the Government as to the Marriage Law of Ireland—a subject of greater importance and urgency. The present state of the law, under which questions of legitimacy and property often depend on proof of the religious persuasion of the parents was most unsatisfactory; and it was the more necessary to deal with the matter since, after the 1st of January next, there would be no machinery for testing the validity of marriages even between two Episcopalians. He saw no reason why both these measures should not be introduced into this House at an early day, for their Lordships had at present little business before them, whereas the attention of the House of Commons was fully occupied.
§ EARL GRANVILLEI have no doubt whatever as to the importance of both the subjects to which the noble Marquess has referred. With regard to the Irish Marriage Law there exists a state of things which imperatively requires legislation. I believe the Law Officers of the sister country have been consulted respecting it, and I have no doubt that a measure will be introduced; but I must ask my noble Friend not to press his Question as to whether that measure will be introduced into this or the other House. With regard to the Ecclesiastical Titles Act, Her Majesty's Government also feel the necessity for legislation—a necessity that has become the more urgent because since the passing of the Irish Church Act a Bishop has died and a successor to him has been appointed. 4 I hope that my noble Friend the Lord Privy Seal will shortly introduce a measure on the subject.