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

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF LORDS.-LAST EVENING.

The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat OR the woolsack at
five o'clock.
HEARING IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

The Earl of CARNATty ON, according to notice, moved
that a select committee be appointed ter consider what ar-
rangements might be made to remedy the present defective
construction 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 house. Some years
ago (about 12) it was stated by a noble friend that it
was impossible it could be remedied, but surely science
had improved since then. They had around, above, and
below them many largo 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 iu this house there
were 12 inches allowed ; yet in the House of Commons
every wcrd could be heard, while that was an 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
heard. 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 somo
well arranged room where all that occurred
might be accurately heard. He was not going to suggest
anything on this occasion, because he thought that a com-
mittee might better investigate into these points. He now
moved for a select committee.

The Earl of MA LMESBURY said that ho was not at all
desirous of opposing tho 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 boon 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 better 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 the 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 wsa in being hoard. Although, per-
haps, with regard to acoustic arrangement no alteration
could be made, still it was most advisable for many reasons
that the house should sit in a room where all could hear.

The motion for the select COMMitteo was then agreed to.
THE REVENUES OF THE CHURCH IN IRELAND.

The Earl of BRADFORD announced that Inr Majesty
had issued her assent to a Royal Commission to inquire
into tho, properties and revenues of the Estahlished Chweh
in Ireland.
THE CASE OF MR. MORE WOOD.

The Marquis of TOWNSIIIiND moved for a Select
Committee to inquire into the statements contained in the
petition of Mr. J. Morewood presented on the 3a May last.
The Duke of MARLPOROUGII.said he did not wish to
say one woad against the talent, and ability, and exertion
of Mr. Morewood, but there wore 136 other gentlemen who
had put forth schemes with regard to the drainage of
London.

The Marquis TOWNSHEND insisted upon pressing his
motion to a division, when it was defeated by 12 to 8.
The Court of Chancery (Ireland) Bill was, on the motion
of the Lord Chancellor, read a second time.
The Earl of MALMESBURY stated, in roply to Lord
Wharncliffe, that tho Viceroy of Egypt had been officially
invited to visit this country, and that he would be enter-
tained with the honour duo to his rank.
Their lordships then adjourned.