HL Deb 22 March 1962 vol 238 cc627-8

3.5 p.m.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are now prepared to implement the terms of the Easter Act, 1928, and, if not, whether they will take steps to ascertain the views of the Churches on the subject.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (EARL BATHURST)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government would not feel justified in initiating action to bring the Act into force. They would, however, welcome and be very ready to consider, any expression of views by the Churches.

LORD FERRIER

My Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for his reply, would it be proper to ask whether he would consider with his right honourable friend the possibility of inquiring of, say, the representative of the United States whether that country might be interested in this problem?

EARL BATHURST

My Lords, I think it would be hardly proper to make inquiries of a representative of a particular country. I made it quite clear in my Answer that we believe it is up to the Churches concerned.

LORD FISHER OF LAMBETH

My Lords, might I just say that, so far as the Church of England is concerned, Archbishop Davidson long ago made careful inquiries, and said that the Church of England would not wish to raise any objection to the fixing of Easter, if that was thought desirable in the general interest? I do not think there has been any change of opinion in the Church of England since then.

EARL BATHURST

I think I should point out to your Lordships, and to the noble Prelate, whom we are so pleased to see in his new place to-day, that the Church of England, as I understand it, also has no wish to take the initiative in this matter.

LORD FISHER OF LAMBETH

That, my Lords, I think is perfectly true, simply because it would not be proper for the Church to take the initiative in this matter, for there is no reason why it should desire it. We have always understood that it has been desired for commercial reasons and to help the business of the country. Then those people must decide whether to take the initiative.

EARL BATHURST

I note what the noble Lord has said—and I beg his pardon, for I understand that I should refer to him as the reverend and noble Lord.

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