§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government intend to carry into practical effect the recommendation of the Royal Commission obtained by the late Mr. Fawcett to inquire into the condition of the deaf, and dumb, and blind of the United Kingdom; and whether the Government will aid the establishment of schools and workshops more particularly for the blind, so as to enable them to become useful self-supporting citizens, by the adoption of the successful Saxony system, which was reported on favourable by the said Commission?
§ THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Mr. ACLAND,) York, W.R., RotherhamMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. There is a Bill on the subject of the education 1464 of blind and deaf children in England and Wales now before the House, which has been referred to a Select Committee. This carries out some of the more important recommendations of the Royal Commission, but does not cover all the ground of the Saxony system to which the hon. Member refers. A Bill providing for the education of blind and deaf-mute children in Scotland was passed in 1890. As to Ireland, I understand the question is under the consideration of the Chief Secretary.
§ MR. ACLANDThere is no unwillingness, but I do not think the machinery at our disposal there is adapted to it.