MR. CAMPBELLasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is still the intention of the Government to proceed with the Scottish Education Bill during this Session?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I have been compelled to consider this matter with reference to the date at which we have arrived, and the state of Public Business. I need not say, that so far as the Government are concerned, they are perfectly ready to go on with business of whatever description, so long as the House would be prevailed upon—or rather so long as it would be possible for Members of the House to do so without that total sacrifice of all other engagements which would be impracticable. 1341 I am sure that the Members for Scotland would concur in the view of the Government, and would make every sacrifice for the sake of carrying forward this measure. But although the Bill directly relates to Scotland it is one of great national importance, and we have arrived at the conclusion that it would not in all probability be possible to proceed with it with such a prospect of the general attendance of Parliament as would be requisite in order to ensure its being satisfactorily dealt with. We are therefore compelled to arrive at the conclusion that it had better be postponed until next year. It is not wise or safe to speak with any great confidence of what will happen in the coming Session; but, as I trust that this House may have put out of the way of this measure the very formidable competitors which have prevented our proceeding with it this year, I am sanguine in the hope that we should be able to proceed with it or that any Government would be able to proceed with it, at a very early period of the next Session of Parliament.