HC Deb 18 March 1897 vol 47 cc991-3

The proceedings, deliberations, and meetings of the governing body of every such association shall be open to the public and the Press. They had always contended that the proceedings of these associations should be made public, the object being to secure that publicity without which the association would not do their work properly. The association was an irresponsible body; it would neither be elected nor selected by the managers of the schools, and they did not know that every Voluntary School would be represented on the association. It would, therefore, be unfair to them if no official knowledge was given of what took place in the association. The associations would also deal with half a million of public money, and he maintained that there was no precedent for a public body, representative or non-representative, dealing with a large sum of money not having their deliberations made known to the public. When the associations knew that their work was open to the criticism and inspection of the public they would be more anxious to do their work properly.

Clause read the First time.

On the Motion "That the clause be read a Second time,"

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

said there was an apposite precedent in the case of the School Boards of the country. There was no statutory requirement on the part of the School Board either to admit the Press or the public. While he had the greatest respect for the public and the Press he saw no reason why the Government should insert a clause requiring their presence.

MR. T. LOUGH (Islington, W.)

thought that a great deal of valuable information would be furnished by the deliberations of the associations to those who took an interest in educational matters. The objection taken as to School Boards was hardly conclusive, because the School Boards were publicly elected bodies. The electors saw that the proceedings were fully reported, and the public had means of acquiring information, so that there could be no secrecy about the proceedings. Besides, the minutes of the School Boards were open to the inspection of the public. [Sir J. GORST dissented.] The objection of the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, was not conclusive.

Clause negatived.

MR. J. W. LOGAN (Leicester, Harborough)

moved the following clause:—