HC Deb 01 August 1891 vol 356 cc1097-8

Order read, for Consideration of Postponed Resolution. That a sum, not exceeding £3,075,357 (including a Supplementary sum of £806,225), be granted to Her Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1892, for Public Education in England and Wales, including Expenses of the Education Office in London.

*(6.28.) MR. MORTON

The House was good enough to postpone this Resolution last night, and I now ask the question of which I have given notice. I rather gathered from what the Vice President said that last year he had been paying money to the day training colleges, but I desire to have this point made quite clear. Also, I wish to ask a question in reference to the use of the Catechism in the Church schools, the extraordinary Catechism to which so much attention has been drawn. The Inspector signs the time table of the school. Would it not be well to require the school managers to insert in that time table in relation to the religious instruction what Catechism is used? There would then be the means of getting definite information when questions on this matter arise.

(6.34.) THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Sir W. HART DYKE,) Kent, Dartford

As to the Vote for Training Colleges, there is simply a new sub-head under the Vote. As to the other question, the Inspector signs the time table simply as indicating that the provisions of the Conscience Clause are carried out; but with the character of the religious teaching given the Inspector has no power to interfere. It is laid down in the Code that it is no part of the Inspector's duty to inquire into the religious instruction given. I hope the opinions which have been expressed in reference to the particular Catechism the hon. Member has in view will effectually check its further use.

Resolution agreed to.