§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (London University)asked MR. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether Her Majesty's Go- 1734 vernment propose to take any action on the Report of the House of Commons Committee of 1884, which unanimously recommended the appointment of a Minister of Education?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL) (Paddington, S.)I cannot say that the matter alluded to in the Question of the hon. Member has yet come under the notice of the Government, nor can I hold out any hope that it is likely to come very soon under our notice. Speaking as Chancellor of the Exchequer, I will not conceal from the hon. Member that I have a strong suspicion that the proposal which he appears to advocate would involve an increased charge upon the public revenues; and every alteration, or reform, or modification of a Department which would involve an increased charge possesses in my eyes an incurable defect.