HC Deb 06 August 1913 vol 56 cc1717-8

Order read for resuming adjourned Debate on Question [14th July], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Question again proposed. Debate resumed.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

I was interrupted in the middle of my speech, and I think I have a right to finish.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER (Mr. Maclean)

Yes.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

I do not propose to prolong the opposition to this Bill. The Minister for Education has kindly met me half way and has put in a Clause giving to parents the right to refuse to have the child sent to a residential school. I should have preferred that the parents had the right to refuse to send them to any school, but I accept the compromise that they may not be compelled to send a child to a residential institution. I understand that the opposition to the Bill on the other side is so considerable that it may not become law, but still it may be given a Second Reading, and the Minister for Education may see when the Amendments are put on the Table what arrangements can be come to.

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)

I would like to say that I understand that the Opposition are prepared to consent to the Second Reading on the understanding that, if after my Amendments have been placed upon the Paper, they still think it necessary to discuss the Bill to a substantial extent we shall not proceed further with the Bill this Session. I need hardly express my hope that when they see my Amendments they may realise that the criticisms in connection with the Bill have been fairly met, and that even at the last moment the Bill may pass into law.

Mr. MOUNT

May I ask whether the Minister for Education has considered what attitude he would adopt in regard to this Bill, and whether he will take some steps to increase the Grant to local authorities in order to carry the Bill through.

Mr. PEASE

The Amendments will show that.

Mr. MOUNT

I should only like to point out that the expenses must be very heavy, they will have to set up residential schools, and they ought to have a further Grant from the Treasury for that.

Mr. PEASE

These are the very points which will be covered by my Amendments.

Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House for to-morrow (Thursday).—[Mr. Gulland.]