asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the doubts as to the legality of certain marriages performed at Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, owing to their having been solemnised by a certain Bishop Matthews, alias Pavoleri, who was never in the holy orders of the Church of England; whether he will give facilities for a Bill legalising these marriages, on which doubt has been cast; and whether, to prevent the recurrence of similar cases, he will introduce legislation for a uniform system of civil marriage?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Any doubt as to the validity of these marriages can be removed by a Provisional Order, and I am now in communication with the Registrar-General and the Bishop of London in the matter. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to previous answers given on this subject by the Prime Minister.