§ EARL BEAUCHAMPMy Lords, I beg to move for the Return mentioned in the Motion which stands in my name, omitting the word "outgoings," which, I think, in the circumstances, is not required.
§
Moved,
That there be laid before this House a nominal Return of all benefices sold under the Lord Chancellor's Augmentation Acts, showing the gross income, price, and purchaser, and also the application of the purchase money; also the names of all benefices augmented under the twenty-sixth section of the Act, and the amount in each case of the augmentation."*—(The Earl Beauchamp.)
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORThere is no objection to give this Return, but I am sorry to say that it will not comprehend very much since the year 1875, when the last Return was made. It, however, will comprehend all that the noble Lord asks for. I have twice been able to assist your Lordships' House in amending the Act, which gives power to augment benefices to an annual value of not more than £200, notwithstanding that the annual value of such benefice exceeds £1 sterling for every poor inhabitant. For some reason, on the part of some persons in another place, the hostility to the Bill was such that that Bill was blocked and that very moderate provision to increase to £200—a, small limit—was rejected, and so the law remained as it was. I am afraid, therefore, the power of augmentation will not proceed with very great rapidity.
§ On Question, agreed to.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Five o'clock till to-morrow a quarter past Ten o'clock.