§ Order of the Lay for the Third Reading read.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 3a."—(The Earl of Derby.)
EARL MORLEYexpressed his regret that the Bill as it left this House should contain the restriction introduced last year. Governing bodies, they knew, whether educational or ecclesiastical, governors or trustees, were always unwilling to reform themselves; and yet the circumstances of the time being wholly different to those existing when these governing bodies were first appointed rendered some modifications absolutely necessary. The restriction, he believed, was calculated to impair the efficiency of the Commission itself, and very greatly calculated to neutralize the good effects of the other provisions of the Bill.
§ THE EARL OF DERBYsaid, that he had last year been instrumental in introducing 1547 the restriction complained of, and thought it inexpedient that the House of Lords should this year reverse its decision. At the same time, if a different view were taken in the House of Commons, he had no wish to make this a Government question, and if expunged in that assembly he should not feel it necessary to reinstate the clause, though he still believed it to be an improvement.
§ EARL GRANVILLEaccepted with very great satisfaction the statement of the noble Earl. Very strong opinions had been expressed with regard to this restriction, and by no one more so than by his noble Friend the Earl of Clarendon, who originally introduced the Bill. It was the hope and expectation of the clause being expunged in the House of Commons that mainly led to its passing sub silentio through their Lordships' House. The very candid statement just made by the noble Earl would be of great use in discussing this matter elsewhere.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill road 3a and passed, and sent to the Commons.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Eight o'clock, to Monday next, Eleven o'clock.