Appropriation Clauses

Appropriation Clauses were an important feature in measures repeatedly proposed, and as often rejected, in connection with the agitation and legislation for the commutation of tithes in Ireland between 1833 and 1838. After the passing of the imperfect Commutation Bill of 1833, and the Irish Church Temporalities Bill, the House of Commons passed, in 1835, a resolution that the surplus revenues of the Irish Church, thus set free, should be ‘appropriated’ to the ‘moral and religious education of the whole people, without distinction of religious persuasion.’ A bill for commutation of tithes, recognising this principle, was passed by the Commons in 1836, but rejected by the Lords; and again in 1837. A last attempt was made in 1838 to include appropriation clauses, but was defeated; and a government measure, commuting tithes into a rent-charge of three-fourths of their amount, was passed without the debated clauses. See TITHES.