DIOCESAN RECORDS BILL [H.L.] (Hansard, 18 May 1900)

§ LORD BELPER

My Lords, this is a small, but I think your Lordships will admit a very desirable, Bill, for the purpose of making provision for the better custody and care of diocesan records. It is practically founded on the Report of a Committee over which the right rev. Prelate the Bishop of London presided, and which inquired into the arrangements at present made for the custody of these records. It appears from that Report that this matter is in a by no means satisfactory condition, and that many of the places in which these records are kept are not at all suitable and adequate for the purpose. Even in those particular cases where they are under the charge of the registrar, the latter, in many instances, has to keep them at his private office with other documents of a private character. It is quite obvious that considerable difficulty and confusion might arise at certain times from the fact that there is no proper place where these documents can be kept separately. Many of these records are of great archaeological and antiquarian 532 value, and the Committee recommended— and the Bill attempts to carry out the recommendation—that in every instance, as opportunity occurs, proper places should be arranged for the custody of these records, and facilities given for their being examined when required. It is obvious that no stereotyped rule can be laid down, but that each case must be dealt with as circumstances require. Therefore it has been thought desirable to give the Ecclesiastical Commissioners power to make rules, and from time to time to arrange what they think best in each individual case. The only other point referred to in the Bill is that of expense, and as the income from diocesan property is paid to the common fund of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners it is considered fit and proper that, unless the Commissioners otherwise direct, the expenses shall be borne by that fund. I believe I am authorised to state that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners entirely approve of this measure, and I hope that if it is passed this much-needed reform will soon be carried out. I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time.