§ 2.35 p.m.
§ EARL STANHOPEMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps are necessary to apply the principles laid down by the Church Commissioners as requisite for the creation of a Suffragan Bishopric to the Diocese of Rochester, and whether they will do everything in their power to hasten the provision of this assistance to the overburdened Bishop of this See.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, the Church Commissioners are not empowered to lay down principles for the creation of new Suffragan Sees. Their responsibility in relation to Suffragans is limited to the payment of stipends. The question of the creation of a new Suffragan Bishopric for the diocese of Rochester (which would require an Order in Council under the Suffragans Nomination Act, 1888) is under consideration by Her Majesty's Government.