HC Deb 31 July 1890 vol 347 cc1346-7
MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he is aware that the School Board of Hullavington, Wilts., in advertising for a certificated master from Michaelmas next for the mixed School Board of Hullavington, the wife or sister of such master to take infants and needlework, have intimated that— The present teacher (mistress) takes the church services, for which she receives separate remuneration. And— That if the master had a daughter to take pupil teacher's place it would be a great inducement to his appointment. And that candidates— Must he members of the Church of England; whether, having regard to the Cowper Temple Clause and other provisions of the Education Act of 1870, a School Board is within its legal right in insisting on membership of any particular Church as a necessary qualification for teachers; and whether the Education Department will take stops to prevent the imposition of such religious tests?

SIR W. HART DYKE

I have no information beyond that given in the question, but some years ago the Department took a legal opinion upon a similar point, and they were advised that they had no power to interfere with such an advertisement.