HC Deb 18 November 1976 vol 919 c655W
31. Mr. Dodsworth

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that it is proposed that clergy of all denominations may stand for election as members of the Scottish and Welsh Assemblies, if he will seek the repeal of those sections of the Catholic Emancipation Act which prevent Roman Catholic clergy from standing for election to the House of Commons, and the House of Commons (Clergy Disqualification) Act, 1801, relating to clergymen of the Church of England.

Mr. John

Select Committees in 1953 and 1956 recommended no change in respect of the disqualification of the clergy from election to Parliament. The Government have no plans at present for altering the law on this matter.