§ 2.41 p.m.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD HOLDENMy Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, perhaps I may be allowed to tell you in two or three sentences what its purpose it. I think it will probably appeal to right reverend Prelates, because it affects the Church of England and is of some historical interest. In 1613 Mr. Stanley left a sum of money to endow the Anglican church in West Bromwich. In 1819 there were two churches, and it was therefore necessary for the Charity Commissioners to come to Parliament in order that the income from this endowment should be divided between those two churches. For a similar reason it is necessary to come to Parliament again, because there are now eleven Anglican churches in West Bromwich. It may interest your Lordships to know that the income from this endowment is over £6,000 a year. It seems to me, therefore, and I am sure it will seem to your Lordships, proper that this sum of money should be divided amongst the various incumbents of those churches. I beg to move that the Bill be read a Second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Holden.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.