HC Deb 26 May 1856 vol 142 cc632-3
SIR JAMES FERGUSSON

said, he begged to ask the right hon. and learned Lord Advocate whether, by the Parochial Schools (Scotland) Bill, in the event of the person elected to the office of schoolmaster being a member of the Established Church, the examination before the Presbytery would still be necessary; and, whether the judicial powers of the Presbyteries over schoolmasters accused of heretical teaching, and their visitation and examination of the schools would be retained?

THE LORD ADVOCATE

said, in answer to the first question, he had no doubt, as regarded the intention and effect of the Bill, the person elected to the office of schoolmaster, being a member of the Established Church, must be examined ac- cording to the provisions of the Bill. In answer to the second question of the hon. Gentleman, his answer was that the Bill did not touch the judicial powers of the Presbyteries over schoolmasters in the matters alluded to.