§ MR. ANDERSON (for Mr. C. S. PARKER)asked the Vice President of the Council, If he can inform the House whether Her Majesty in Council will be advised to continue in force the powers of the Endowed Institutions (Scotland) Act beyond the thirty-first day of December 1880; and, whether the Education Endowments (Scotland) Bill will be reintroduced next Session at such a time as not to expose it to the risk of being again withdrawn without discussion in this House?
§ MR. MIDDLETONasked the Vice President of the Council, If the Government is prepared to recommend Her Majesty in Council to extend the powers of the Commissioners under "The Endowed Institutions (Scotland) Act, 1878," until the 31st day of July 1881, as permitted under the Act?
§ MR. MUNDELLASir, under the Endowed Institutions (Scotland) Act of 1878, neither the Commissioners nor the Secretary of State have power to institute any reforms except such as are proposed by the Governing Bodies. For that reason, it has not been thought desirable to extend the sittings of the Commissioners beyond the 31st of December of the present year. Power will be taken by Order in Council to extend the application of the Act to all schemes which may have been reported on by the Commissioners during the present year, or which may be legalized by the Secretary of State after being laid before Parliament for approval. In answer to the second part of the first Question, I am authorized to say that it is with much regret the Government found itself compelled to abandon the Educational Endowments (Scotland) Bill this Session; and although they are unwilling at this 90 moment to give a pledge as to the measure of next Session, they feel that a debt is owing to the Scotch Members as to the special measures affecting Scotland, and that, with this view, they will, in the consideration of the Business of next Session, endeavour to give this measure an early place.