HC Deb 24 July 1899 vol 75 cc180-1

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. DILLON

This is a Bill to which I have the greatest objection. I have considerable objection to the Gordon Memorial Fund, and I think it wrong to start a scheme of this kind so soon after the appalling slaughter at Omdurman. By such a policy the House identifies itself with the whole policy of these proposals. There is another aspect of the case, and that is, is this college to be a Christian college or a Mahomedan one, or what religion are you going to teach, or are you going to teach any at all? This, I think, we are entitled to know before we give this Vote.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! It is altogether irrelevant to discuss the internal management of this college, or the religion which shall be taught there. The only question is, whether the money should be invested in certain securities.

MR. DILLON

In view of your ruling, Mr. Speaker, I cannot proceed.

MR. DAVITT

Should I be in order in proposing to change the title from "The Gordon Memorial College" to "The College for Teaching British Pharisaism"?

MR. T. M. HEALY

I desire to use a few arguments in favour of the Bill. The majority of the inhabitants of the Soudan are Mahomedans, and the Government are most anxious to suit the education of that country to the native prejudices of those people. We know that in Ireland we are debarred from doing that, because the majority of the Irish people happen to be Catholics.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member must use arguments which are relevant to the subject under discussion.

MR. CALDWELL

I think this Bill is wrong, because it proposes to invest money in Egyptian securities. In a matter of this kind, in which you are perpetuating the name of a British subject, I think you ought to have Imperial securities, and not invest this money where it may eventually be depreciated.

MR. DALZIEL

I think the Government ought to give us their opinion in regard to the security of this stock. Surely we are entitled to ask whether this is the best security we can obtain for the money. I do hope we shall have some opinion from the Government in regard to this investment.

* SIR M. HICKS-BEACH

In the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, Egyptian Stocks are a perfectly safe investment for the money of this trust.