HC Deb 06 June 1890 vol 345 cc226-7

Order for Second Reading read.

(10.58.) SIR W. HART DYKE

In moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I hope the House will allow the stage to be taken, as the Bill is really an outcome of the discussion which has just closed. It is simply to make operative some of the essential parts of the new Code. It deals with the continuation schools, and it also places the new grant for Board schools in rural districts on the same footing as the old grant. I do not think I need detain the House further on this Bill.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

(11.0.) MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Poplar)

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the 4,500 schools will include small schools, in reference to his proposals as to fees and staffing?

SIR W. HART DYKE

The number quoted is assuming that every school accepted our offer with the conditions attaching to it.

MR. F. S. POWELL (Wigan)

I do not at all desire to prolong the Debate, or to raise any difficulty respecting the Bill. The effect of the proposal of the Government is practically to remove the 17s. 6d. limit as regards country schools. What I desire to do, Sir, is, in the simplest possible manner and in few words, to express my regret that the Government have not seen their way to remove the same difficulties in the case of urban schools. That is a great hard ship, and I hope that in the course of the next Session the Government will see their way to removing the mischiefs of which I complain. I certainly do regret that there should be any legislation this Session which does not deal with that other evil, namely, the liability of schools to the payment of rates. That is an evil felt both by voluntary schools and by the School Board schools. I believe that the Government are fully alive to the unsatisfactory condition of the law upon the subject, and I hope before next Session has passed by this law will have been amended. Having made this protest, Sir, I do not wish any longer to delay the progress of the Bill.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.