HC Deb 15 May 1878 vol 239 cc1990-2

(Mr. O'Donnell, Mr. O'Shaughnessy, Mr. Gray, Mr. Biggar, Mr. O'Connor Power.)

SECOND READING. ADJOURNED DEBATE.

Order read for resuming Further Proceeding on Question [28th February], "That the Bill be now read a second time."

Debate resumed.

MR. O'DONNELL

said, the Bill was one which mainly sought to improve the character of Irish education, by providing a regular system of inspection. The Bill proposed to hand over the Queen's College at Belfast to the Presbyterians, and make the Government grants dependent on an inspection. That being so, he trusted the House would pass the measure.

MR. J. P. CORRY,

in moving that the Bill be read a second time that day six months, said, that as he was desirous of preserving the present principle on which Irish University Education was founded, he could not recognize any inducement to make the change proposed by the hon. Member for Dungarvan. He considered that the Colleges were very well managed, and saw no necessity for the system of inspection proposed.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."—(Mr. James Corry.)

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

MR. CHARLES LEWIS

said, the Bill was a single-barrelled University Bill, the real object of which was to sectarianize the Belfast College in favour of the Presbyterian Church, in order that this might be followed up by another Bill to denominationalize the other two Colleges of Galway and Cork, in favour of the Roman Catholic Church. On behalf of the Protestants, and especially the Presbyterians of Ireland, he repudiated the offer of such a bribe. Although he was strongly opposed to the measure, he should decline the responsibility of talking it out.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 26; Noes 232: Majority206.—(Div. List, No. 133.)

Words added.

Main Question, as amended, put, and agreed to.

Second Reading put off for six months.