§ Order of the Day for the Third Reading, read.
THE BISHOP OF SALISBURY, in moving the Third Reading, thanked their Lordships for the indulgence they had extended to an inexperienced Member of that House. The Bill was of the utmost importance. It had been attacked in a very extraordinary manner both inside and outside that House, a manner at which he had certainly been astonished; and even to that moment he had failed to understand the criticisms, by which, however, their Lordships had not been influenced. They had felt it their duty to uphold freedom of conscience, and the principle of parental responsibility, in a way that would inspire confidence in that House, which he hoped would always be the refuge of principle against expedients, and of freedom against the tyranny of political majorities.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 3a."—(The Bishop of Salisbury.)
1044§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL)My Lords, I do not propose to make a speech on the Third Reading. All I wish to say is that there are those in this House who are unable to see the matter as the right rev. Prelate and others see it; and when he says they are entirely unable to understand that point of view—well, all I can say is, that is their misfortune.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 3a accordingly and passed, and sent to the Commons.