Motion made, and Question proposed, That, in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Benefices Act, 1898 (Amendment), Measure, 1923, be presented to His Majesty for Royal Assent"— [Mr. Lansbury.]

I beg to second the Motion.

This Measure applies to all patronage, whether public or private, and, accordingly, applies to patronage exercised on behalf of the Crown. I should not have intervened otherwise, but it is right that the House, in considering this Measure and a subsequent Measure, with regard to which there is a Motion on the Paper, should be informed of the fact that His Majesty has been graciously pleased to place the rights and privileges of the Crown at the disposal of Parliament, both in respect of this Measure and in respect of the Union of Benefices Measure.

May I ask if that means that any future patronage exercised by the Crown, including, I presume, not only the patronage under the right hon. Gentleman's own office of the Duchy of Lancaster, but all patronage is, in future, to be exercised by Parliament?

It is merely in so far as is covered by these Measures.