§ Read 3a (according to Order).
*THE BISHOP OF SALISBURYproposed a small Amendment in Clause 8 in regard to benefices to which there were no existing presentations, but which were in the hands of corporations, trustees of charities, and so on. He thought it would not do harm to anybody.
§ Amendment moved, in Clause 8, after the words "All donative benefices," to add the words "and any other benefices not at present presentative."—(The Lord Bishop of Salisbury.)
§ *THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYI do not know whether I rightly caught the words of the right rev. Prelate; but it seems to me he is sweeping up, as it were, the crumbs that the most rev. Prelate has left—that is, he is sweeping up all the 1714 donatives which the most rev. Prelate has spared. I have not much to say for the donatives, but I think the provision with respect to them is as near confiscation as anything that has been done in the Bill; and it is rather on account of the rest of the measure, and considering the end in view, that the House has passed it. I do not like to move the postponement of the Bill, as that might inconvenience the most rev. Prelate; but I think it is hardly right to do this on Third Reading, without Notice. We, in this House, cling to the practice, though I am afraid we occasionally break it, that no Amendment shall be put into a Bill at the last stage; and, without saying that that is an absolute rule, it is certainly a rule which the House prefers to follow. I would submit to your Lordships whether this is not rather a perilous occasion for breaking it?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL)I quite concur in what the noble Marquess has said. I think there is great danger in inserting Amendments on Third Reading without Notice, and I believe it is hardly ever done except where they are merely drafting Amendments. I do not say it has never been done, but it has only been done under urgent circumstances, and when the House has thought it necessary to do it.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYIt would be better perhaps, under the circumstances, to postpone the Third Reading of the Bill, unless the Amendment is withdrawn.
THE BISHOP OF SALISBURYsaid, he was, of course, quite willing to follow any course that would be best.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYThat would make no difference in it ultimately passing.
THE BISHOP OF SALISBURYsaid, he believed the Amendment would have been accepted by the Committee had he been able to be there, and assured the noble Marquess that he had given all the notice in his power.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYYou did not put the Notice on the Paper.
THE BISHOP OF SALISBURYbegged to be excused for his ignorance of the Forms of the House, and was quite 1715 willing, by leave of the House, to withdraw the Amendment.
§ Amendment (by leave of the House) withdrawn.
§ Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.