MR. THOROLD ROGERSasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is aware that it is the practice of the University of Oxford to subject all candidates for a degree thereat to an examination in Dogmatic Theology, with the alternative of declaring that they have a conscientious objection to submitting to it; and, whether, if this does not constitute a violation of the letter of the 34 Vic c. 26, s. 3, he will consider whether that Act should not be amended?
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, that though he had not had an opportunity of referring to the authorities, he was aware that the University of Oxford, compatibly with the law, had determined to continue the old examination in theology; but he was not aware that it was correctly described as dogmatic. As to the second part of the Question, it was a little difficult to have Questions of this nicety and importance propounded for the decision of the Cabinet with only 24 hours' Notice. On the part of the Cabinet he could give no answer to the Question; but his own opinion was that it was extremely improbable that the Cabinet would ask the House to legislate upon the question at the present time and under present circumstances.