§ *SIR JOHN LUBBOCKPrivate Members have much to complain of at the way in which they are now treated. Not only have the Government appropriated a much larger proportion of the time of the House, but even when private Members are fortunate enough to secure a day they too often find it taken from them, and, if not, the Government, so far from helping to keep a House, seem to do what they can to count them out. If I have not an opportunity of bringing forward tomorrow my Motion dealing with a reconsideration of the Education Code, I shall probably not be able to do so at all this Session. It is of very little use to bring the question forward on the Education Estimates, because I shall have no opportunity then of obtaining a Vote on the subject. No one can say that the Government have any reason to complain of the progress they have made 418 during the present Session. There has been nothing approaching to obstruction on the other side of the House, and good progress has been made with the Government business. Nor can anyone allege that this question is not of an important character. At present the Scotch and English Codes are fundamentally different; they hold up two entirely different ideals of education, and they affect many millions of our children at a very important period of their lives. If the English Code is right, and the Government are prepared to defend it, they ought to alter the Scotch Code. But if, as we believe, the Scotch Code is right, then the English Code is wrong in a very important matter, and it seems desirable that it should be altered. Of course, we should be quite satisfied if my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Treasury is prepared to accept the Resolution, or to give another day in order that the question may be brought forward.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI have been denounced for curtailing the privileges of private Members, but I think it will be admitted that for some years past private Members have had as much of the time of the House as could be put at their disposal, having regard to the amount of time which is available for Government business. I cannot give my right hon. Friend any pledge, though I am desirous that every opportunity should be given for the discussion of this and other subjects.