The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-29 00:00:00

THE SUN. LONDON, SATURDAY EVENINLI, JUNE L 9, 1867.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

lIOUSE OF LORDS.-LAST EVENING.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack.at
five o'clock.

HEARING IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
The Elrl of CARNARVON, according to notice, moved
that a select committee be appointed to consider what ar-
rangements might be made to remedy the present defective
constructon of the house in reference to hearing. He
thought that the present state of the house with regard
to hearing was most injurious to those who had a ne-
cessity to hear what occurred in the honk. Some years
ago (about 12) it was stated by a noble friend that it
was impossible it could bo remedied, but surely science
had improved since then. They had around, above, and
below them many large spaces which might be employed
in improving the acoustic arrangements of the house. In
the House of Commons there was only a space between
the benches of 10 inches, whereas in this house thero
were 12 inches allowed ; yet in the House of Commons
every word could be heard, while that was au impossibility
in their house. In fact, their house had been built merely
to accommodate brilliant pageants and State ceremonials,
and very little regard was given to its acoustic advantages.
The House of Commons was a popular branch of the Legis-
lature, and, therefore, they would not endure the
nuisance of the debates and speeches not being properly
hoard. But the House of Lords, on the other hand, did not
seemto care about it at all. The point wouldbe in his (the
noble earl's idea) to retain their noble house for state
pageants and state ceremonials, and have some
well arranged room where all that occurred
might be accurately beard. He was not going to suggest
anything on this occasion, because he thought that a com-
mittee might better investigate into these points. Ho nbw
moved for a select committee.
The Earl of MALMESBURY said that he was not at all
desirous of opposing the select committee which was pro-
posed by the noble earl, although he had been al-
luded to as one who had stated that the acoustics
of the house had some 10 or 12 years ago been pro-
nounced as capable of improvement. He hoped, therefore,
that their lordships would hesitate before they approved of
his noble friend's motion. With regard to the size of the
house, it was not too large when all the members were
present. If they wished to be on the same terms as the
House of Commons they had bettor exchange houses. It
would be most inconvenient to sit in a smaller room.

The Marquis of CLANRICARDE said that it was not
only members of the press who were inconvenienced by the
difficulty of hearing. Although those on the first bench
on his side could be well hoard, yet those on tho back
benches could not hear at all.

Lord CAIRNS said he knew, from experience, in ad-
dressing their lordships from the other side of the house,
the difficulty there was in being heard. Although, per-
haps, with regard to acoustic arrangement no alteration
could be made, still it was moat advisable for many reasons
that the house should sit in a room where all could hear.
The motion for the select committee was then agreed to.
THE REVENUES OF THE CIIUECII IN IRELAND.
The Earl of BRADFORD announced that her Majesty
had issued her assent to a Royal Commission to inquire
into the properties and revenues of the Established Church
in Ireland.