*THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURYMy Lords, I had hoped until lately the a place might be found for a Clergy Discipline Bill, affecting cases of immorality only, and I believed it was right not to lose the least chance of legislating on the subject, partly because the clergy themselves, in their Convocation, as well as other authorities, have long asked for fresh legislation. I, therefore, asked your Lordships to give First Reading to a Bill upon the subject but it is now clear that, through press of business, there is no hope of passing the Bill, nor would it be right, in to present condition of business, to ask for facilities to be given in another place. Tin scope of the Bill, my Lords, is the same as of that which passed your Lordships House upon a former occasion without a Division; but since that time it has had the further advantage of being further revised by some eminent Members of your Lordships' House and other persons with a view to improving it, and meeting objections which have been made to it in this House, upon certain point: of procedure, and also to remove anything which might bear upon any other subject than that of immoral conduct I must say that I greatly regret the opportunity has passed of passing legislation for much-needed reforms; but, for reasons which I hope will commend themselves to your Lordships, it is thought better not to proceed in this House with the Bill at a time when it is certain not to go forward or make any progress in the other House, because that would put your Lordships to the inconvenience, after having road and, I hope, passed the Bill a second time, of having it brought before your Lordships yet a third time. So, by your Lordships' leave, I will move at once to withdraw the Bill. At the same time I am very glad it is in your Lordships' hands, and open to criticism; and, with your Lordships' permission, I should like to state that I hope to bring 302 it in at the very earliest opportunity next Session.
§ Bill (by leave of the House) withdrawn.