HC Deb 14 March 1892 vol 2 cc850-1

MOTION FOR LEAVE. [ADJOURNED DEBATE.]

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Motion for leave to bring in a Bill [22nd February].

(12.12.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

In reference to the proceedings upon this Bill, and in view of the general uncertainty attending the Session, will the First Lord allow me to submit to him a suggestion? Part of the proposal is to devote a portion of the annual grant to the relief of fees, and the other is in promotion of the general cause of education. Included in our Bill the proposal must needs leads to protracted debate. It is desirable that the money should be safely appropriated towards the purpose for which it is intended. If the Leader of the House will consent to divide the Bill into two, one Bill dealing with the appropriation of the money, the other dealing with the remaining parts of the question, then I may say we shall be disposed to forgo further debate on the introduction of both Bills. The hon. Member for South Tyrone (Mr. T. W. Russell) has said he is anxious to see the text of the Bill, and there is force in that, and in order that the Government proposals may be fully before us I make this suggestion.

(12.13.) COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)

I hope the right hon. Gentleman may see his way clear to accept this reasonable suggestion, for, indeed, the other proposals should be kept distinct from the proposals for compulsory education.

(12.13.) MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I recognise the spirit in which the hon. Gentleman has made this suggestion, but I hardly think it is one he will expect us to accept. We have always laid it down that the opportunity given us to offer to Ireland the great boon of free education should be accompanied by some modified acceptance of the principle of compulsory education in Ireland. To divide the Bill, to separate the two principles, would obviously be to throw away the opportunity offered. I hope hon. Gentlemen, whatever opposition they may think fit to offer to the Bill in its future stages, will, at all events, not interpose obstacles in the way of the Bill being printed and circulated among Members and their constituents in Ireland.

Debate further deferred till to-morrow.