THE DUKE OF RICHMOND AND GORDONMy Lords, at the close of the discussion on the Burials Bill, last Monday evening, I asked your Lordships to adjourn the further consideration of the Report, in consequence of the result of the division which had just been taken on the Amendment moved by the noble Earl (the Earl of Harrowby). I did so, as I then stated, in order that I might have an opportunity of consulting my Colleagues as to the course which should be adopted with regard to the Bill. My Lords, since that time I have had the opportunity of consulting them. We have given the subject our most deliberate and earnest attention, and we have come to the conclusion that the Amendment of the noble Earl is so opposed to the general scheme of the Bill, and would so entirely disarrange the principle on which it is founded, that it is incumbent on us to withdraw the measure. During the Recess we shall give the whole subject our attentive consideration; but we cannot pro- 68 ceed with the present measure. We have thought it respectful to your Lordships that, the Government having come to that conclusion, you should have the earliest intimation of it. On Monday next, when the adjourned Order for the reception of the Report comes before the House, I shall move that it be discharged, and I shall then withdraw the Bill.
§ EARL GRANVILLEMy Lords, I have heard with great regret the statement which the noble Duke has just made to your Lordships. The Burials Bill was not introduced hastily. It was not mentioned in the Queen's Speech, but was introduced on the 13th of March. Since that time the Government have had repeated opportunities of learning the sentiments of the House with regard to the provisions contained in the Bill itself and the Amendments which have been proposed. No doubt the subject will receive the consideration which the noble Duke promises during the Recess, and I venture to express a hope that he will next Session introduce a measure in which regard will be had to the opinion which has been expressed in the strongest possible manner by your Lordships' House. It is, I think, greatly to be regretted that a question which both sides of the House have thought desirable should be settled this Session, should be thrown over to another year, and thus for several months be made a subject of all sorts of hostility between those members of the Church who adhere to the existing state of things, and those other members of the Church who think that it ought to be changed in conformity with the Amendment of the noble Earl, and who are supported in that view by a large body of Nonconformists. I repeat that I think it a matter of very deep regret that the Government have not taken upon themselves, after the opinion expressed by the House, the duty of settling the question during the present Session.