§ Order read for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [26th January], "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ Question again proposed.
§ Debate resumed.
§ *(7.2.) SIR R. TEMPLE (Worcester, Evesham)In moving that this Bill be read a second time, I would explain that there is another Bill for a similar purpose, for an almost identical purpose, 1196 introduced by the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. A. H. Dyke Acland), and it is our joint desire, if the House gives this Bill a Second Reading, that the two Bills should be referred to one Select Committee.
§ *(7.3.) MR. F. S. POWELL (Wigan)I am glad to find that the Government support the Second Reading of the Bill with the intention of associating it with another Bill in reference to a Select Committee. I have before me a copy of a Bill which was read a second time in 1869, part of which became law under the name of the Endowed Schools Act, but the second part of which, dealing with the organisation of school teachers was withdrawn, not because the late Mr. Forster had any doubt as to the policy, but from mere lack of time and the difficulty of carrying a complicated measure through Parliament. When I compare the Bill of 1869 with this Bill introduced by my hon. Friend, I cannot but observe the present Bill contains many deficiencies. In the first place, the Bill of my hon. Friend appears to go much further than did Mr. Forster's proposal. Mr. Forster confined his registration to teachers of endowed schools; but, as I understand my hon. Friend's proposal, he extends his registration and the compulsory part of his Bill to schools which are not included in the category of endowed schools. I regret this extension, and think it is unfair to teachers in private schools. When the Bill is examined in Committee, I feel confident that this defect will be recognised. I fear also that sufficient provision is not made for the working of the scheme. The only financial arrangements are that certain fees are to be paid; but under the Bill of Mr. Forster, while there was the same arrangement in regard to fees, there were also fees levied in endowed schools which were not free, but where they were not free a grant was provided from the Consolidated Fund. I am afraid that it will be found this Bill contains but a mere sketch outline of finance, and that unless this is materially strengthened the machinery will not work for lack of that most essential motive power— funds.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed to a Select Committee.