HC Deb 28 June 1880 vol 253 cc956-7
MR. B. SAMUELSON

asked the Vice President of the Council, Whether it is not the case that the curriculum of instruction in the more important elementary schools of France, Germany, and Switzerland is at least as extensive as that authorised by the new Code; and, whether, under these circumstances, there is any intention on the part of Her Majesty's Government to curtail the subjects in respect of which payment for results may be earned in England and Wales?

MR. BROADHURST

asked the Vice President of the Council, Whether it is the intention of the Government to lower the standard of education in the public Elementary Schools of the Country by striking the specific subjects out of the Code?

MR. MUNDELLA

It is undoubtedly the case that in the more important elementary schools of France, Germany, and Switzerland, to which might be added Denmark, Holland, and some other countries, the curriculum of instruction is fully as extensive as that authorized by the new Code. The second part of the Question of my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury is substantially the same as the Question of my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke, and the answer I am about to give will, I hope, suffice for both my hon. Friends. It is not the intention of the Government to strike the specific subjects out of the Code for the school year 1880-81. But I wish it to be distinctly understood that we leave ourselves absolutely free to deal with the entire Code before the time comes to lay a new Code on the Table of the House. I may say, generally, that there is no intention on the part of the Government to lower the standard of elementary education, or to diminish reasonable opportunities for obtaining it. Our aim is to extend to the whole population a thoroughly sound and efficient elementary training.

MR. B. SAMUELSON

said, that in consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, and also of what had occurred elsewhere, he begged to give Notice that, on going into Committee on the Education Vote, he would move— That this House cordially approves of the determination of Her Majesty's Government not to withdraw the payments on results which are now granted to Elementary Schools in respect of the specific subjects in Schedule 4 of the New Code.