HC Deb 12 March 1891 vol 351 cc750-2
MR. PICTON (Leicester)

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Com- mittee of Council on Education whether he has inquired into the alleged cases recently brought to his notice of interference on the part of employers in and about Rochdale, Stockport, and Oldham, with the right of the parents of half-timers in factories to choose the school which their children shall attend; and whether he will now state the results of his inquiry?

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

I have received a Report from the Inspector of the Rochdale and Oldham district confirming the substantial accuracy of the hon. Member's allegations. The reasons given in one case were that the school selected was one to which the firm had largely contributed, and that the requirement was necessary in order to secure discipline in the works and uniformity in keeping the time-books required under the Factory Acts; but how far this may be so I have no means of judging, nor have I any power on behalf of the Department to interfere, as there is nothing in the Education Acts to prevent an employer making attendance at a particular school a condition of employment in his factory.

MR. PICTON

Are not some of the schools largely maintained by the employers, who force the children to attend them? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will use the power of the Department to withhold grants from managers who openly defy the law? Does he not remember, in answer to a former question, stating that the parents of the half-timers had a right to choose the school which their children should attend?

*SIR W. HART DYKE

I do not think I can use the power of the Department to withhold grants. I do not think that under the Education Act I have the power to do that. I doubt whether the Department has the least power in the matter.

MR. PICTON

Are not some of these schools maintained by the Education Department, and could not the Department exercise power in regard to them?

*SIR W. HART DYKE

I will inquire further into the matter. It is one of extreme difficulty. I have already gone into it carefully, as far as I can, and I have stated candidly, as far as I am able, the precise legal position which the Department occupies.