HC Deb 23 March 1893 vol 10 cc886-7
MR. PARKER SMITH (Lanark, Partick)

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the New Education Code was laid upon the Table on 27th February, but was not issued to Members till 22nd March, and that the month during which the Code has to lie upon the Table before becoming law runs from 27th February with the result that Members have only five days instead of a month to challenge the provisions of the Code; what steps he proposes to take in the matter; and whether he will take care in future that the Code shall not be laid upon the Table in dummy before it is actually ready for distribution.

MR. ACLAND

I regret the delay which has taken place under the distribution of the New Code. As in former years, full time will be given for its consideration, and no action will be taken on it by the Department until ample and reasonable time has elapsed from the date of its being issued to Members. Every effort will be made, as has been done in the past, that the Code shall be distributed as soon as possible after it is laid on the Table.

MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON

Has not a similar failure to present the printed copy occurred in reference to the County Carnarvon Scheme?

MR. ACLAND

I do not see what that has to do with the question on the Paper. I told the hon. Gentleman the delay was due to the printers, and I am in no way responsible for it.