DULWICH COLLEGE.—COMMISSIONERS OF ENDOWED SCHOOLS.—QUESTION. (Hansard, 2 March 1871)

§ LORD LYTTELTON

, as President of the Commission, replied that Dulwich College was one of those foundations, the Governors of which, under the Endowed Schools Act, were allowed a certain period—in this case 12 months—within which they might prepare a scheme for the government of the school, the powers of the Commissioners being meanwhile suspended. If that privilege was acted upon, and a scheme drawn up and submitted to the Commissioners, from which they dissented, the Commissioners would prepare another, and both would be submitted to the Education Department of the Privy Council. Notice had to be given of such an intention within two months of the passing of the Act—namely, 2nd of August, 1869. The Governors of Dulwich College gave the notice with regard to the lower school, but they had not prepared a scheme. This did not imply any blame, as it was 1164 common for Governing Bodies to give notice in order to secure their position, that they might act upon it if they thought it desirable. It was a matter, moreover, of little importance, as both the Commissioners and the Education Department were bound to give due consideration to all schemes or suggestions from whatever quarter they proceeded. It now devolved on the Commissioners to prepare a scheme; but a dozen Commissions would have found plenty of work, and there being only one it was obliged to proceed by districts. Its duration was limited to three or four years, but a much longer period would be necessary to complete the work, and the renewal of the Commission would rest with Parliament. Dulwich College, as one of the very largest endowments, did not come under the rule of the Commissioners to deal with particular districts in turn, and he admitted the desirableness of its being dealt with as early as possible. He trusted that the Commissioners would very soon be able to do so.