HC Deb 29 July 1889 vol 338 cc1686-7

As amended, considered.

On Clause 13,

* MR. STUART RENDEL (Montgomeryshire)

I should like to have the word "efficiency" substituted for the word "merit" in the clause. "Merit" has a technical sense in conjunction with the system of payment by results in elementary schools. "Efficiency" is a wider word, and avoids risk of misunderstanding.

* THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL (Sir W. HART DYKE,) Dartford

I see no objection to that, as the word it is proposed to substitute for "merit" is of wider application and does not possess the same rather technical significance.

VISCOUNT CRANBORNE (Lancashire, N.E., Darwen)

I do not think this is a desirable alteration, as, if "merit" were substituted, it would be possible for all sorts of matters to be taken into consideration. This Amendment takes us by surprise, and we have not had time to consider it; but if is a good one, no doubt it may be inserted on another occasion. I hope it will not be pressed now.

* MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionethshire)

I think the noble Lord hardly understands the object of the proposed change. Under the existing system of working the Elementary Education Act there prevails the method of payment by result. Now I am sure the Government do not desire to saddle intermediate education in Wales with this system, and I think it very desirable that the alteration should be made so as to enable the Inspectors to take note not merely of actual result, but of such questions as the sanitary condition of the schools, their equipment, fees, and courses of instruction.

Amendment put, and agreed to.

Amendment proposed, in page 6, line 8, after the word "endowments," to insert the words— Nothing in this Act shall prevent any proceedings under the Endowed Schools Acts in relation to any scheme, of which a draft has been prepared, published, and circulated before the commencement of this Act, in pursuance of sections thirty-two and thirty-three of 'The Endowed Schools Act, 1869,' and such scheme may be proceeded with, submitted for approval, and come into operation as if this Act had not passed."—(Sir William Hart Dyke.)

Question proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

MR. WARMINGTON (Monmouth, W.)

I should like some explanation of this Amendment. Considerable merit was taken by the Government for including Monmouth in this Bill, and I should like to know why this Amendment is proposed.

MR. T. C. BARING (London)

I object to further progress. Not a single Amendment has been printed on the Paper, and we are legislating absolutely in the dark.

Objection being taken to further proceeding, the Debate stood adjourned.

* SIR W. HART DYKE

I will take care to have the Amendments printed.

Debate to be resumed to-morrow.