HC Deb 30 August 1895 vol 36 cc1236-7
MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) is he aware that Lord Justice Fitzgibbon has given it as his judicial decision (Report, 1894, pp. 236, 244, Educational Endowments (Ireland) Commission) that due regard to Erasmus Smith's intentions requires that his endowment should be administered by a Protestant governing body; (2) that the schoolmasters of his schools should be Protestant, and that Protestant instructions should be given to all pupils attending his schools; and (3) whether, seeing that the Conscience Clause of the Intermediate Education Act of 1878 requiries that no pupil attending an intermediate school receiving grants from the Intermediate Board should be compelled to receive religious instruction to which his parents or guardians object, he will inquire how the Erasmus Smith Board, who receive grants from the Intermediate Board, are observing the intentions of Erasmus Smith and the Conscience Clause of the Intermediate Education Act?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

I have not had sufficient time to closely examine the judgment of Lord Justice Fitzgibbon in this matter, though I believe he did express himself substantially to the effect stated. As regards the second paragraph, I am informed by the Assistant Commissioners of Intermediate Education that results fees were paid by them to Erasmus Smith Schools in 1894 and in previous years. The claimants for such fees in each case were obliged, under the rules of the Commissioners, to declare in writing that the requirements of Section 7 of the Intermediate Education Act of 1878 had been complied with. It is not for me to attempt to decide whether the intentions of Erasmus Smith and the observance of the Conscience Clause are, or are not, consistent.

MR. T. M. HEALY

asked whether the Chief Secretary meant an individual claimed, or a body which made the claim?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I think it is a body.

MR. T. M. HEALY

Will he inquire of the body who have made this claim how this Conscience Clause is put in force in their schools?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

made a remark which did not reach the Gallery.

MR. T. M. HEALY

As the Chief Secretary has undertaken to receive a deputation on the question during the Recess, will he undertake to look into the whole subject previously with reference to the question of the Conscience Clause?

MR. GERAID BALFOUR

Certainly. I will do my best.