Mr. DENNISSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken to render valid the marriages attempted to be solemnised at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, by a certain Bishop Mathew, a person not in holy orders of the Church of England; and whether any steps can, or will be, taken to punish the offender?
§ Mr. McKENNAI am advised by the proper authorities that the marriages in question are valid. This being so, there are no grounds for taking any action in the matter. The celebrations took place more than twenty years ago, and I am advised that owing to the lapse of time proceedings for penalties in respect of any irregularity cannot now be taken.