An Act to render it unlawful to demand any Fee or Reward for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism, or the Registry thereof.
[18th July 1872]
Whereas doubts have been entertained whether in certain churches and chapels of the Church of England as by law established, under the authority of- certain Local Acts of Parliament or custom, fees may not now be demanded for the administration of the sacrament of baptism, or for the due registration of such administration :
And whereas it is expedient that such doubts should not exist :
Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows :
That from and after the passing of this Act, it shall not be lawful for the minister, clerk in orders, parish clerk, vestry clerk, warden, or any other person to demand any fee or reward for the celebration of the sacrament of baptism, or for the registry thereof: Provided always, that this Act shall not apply to the present holder of any office who may at the present time be entitled by any Act of Parliament to demand such fees.