HC Deb 27 February 1840 vol 52 cc668-9
Mr. Langdale

said, that he had intended to move for "An Address to her Majesty, that she would be graciously pleased to direct the Commissioners for the Asylum Schools of Chelsea, Southampton, and Greenwich, to make such modifications in the regulations therein in force, as may secure to the children of Catholic and Protestant Dis- senting soldiers and sailors, if duly qualified, the benefit of those establishments without the sacrifice of their religion;" but he would first ask the Government a question, and if that were satisfactorily answered, he would not occupy the time of the House by proceeding further with the subject. The question he wished to ask was this—whether or not with respect to the children alluded to in his motion, the necessity of their being instructed in the principles of the Established Church, if their parents dissented from those principles, might not be dispensed with; and, secondly, whether they might not be allowed on Sunday to attend their own place of worship?

Mr. Macaulay

said, that considering how very large a proportion of the army and navy was composed of persons conscientiously dissenting from the Established Church, he was quite sure that no Gentleman in the House would say the rewards which those gallant men had earned in the service of their country should be withheld from their children in consequence of their religious dissent. He could never adopt such a doctrine; but at the same time, any change in the establishments referred to by the hon. Member should be made with great care and caution; and if the hon. Member would consent to withdraw his motion, he would assure him that the subject should be immediately and seriously considered by the Government, with the most earnest desire to do everything that could be required for the end he had in view. At the same time he would just say, that as far as he was concerned, he foresaw no objection to the children attending their own place of worship, and not being compelled to learn the Church catechism.

Mr. Langdale

said, that after the assurance he had just received from the right hon. Gentleman, he would not press his motion.