HC Deb 16 October 1902 vol 113 cc97-9

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Mr. J. W. LOWTHER (Cumberland, Penrith)

, in the Chair.

Clause 8:—

(7.27.) MR. LLOYD - GEORGE

thought the Committee ought not to be asked to take up this subject within three minutes of the suspension of the siting. Moreover, before proceeding to the dis- cussion of Amendments Members were entitled to some general statement from the Government as to their intentions. If the Prime Minister's Manchester speech was an indication of what the right hon. Gentleman thought the Education Bill ought to be, it was clear he ought to put down a series of Amendments to effect the necessary alterations. Then there was the famous Birmingham. Amendment, framed with the assistance of the Colonial Secretary; was that to be included in the Bill? Was the spirit of compromise about which so much had been heard to extend to giving not merely the control, but the management, as far as secular education was concerned, to the ratepayers? Before the House adjourned for the holidays the Prime Minister promised to place on the Paper a number of Amendments, including one with regard to rent. That was a matter of great importance, because three-fifths, if not three-fourths, of the so-called voluntary Subscriptions were simply rent raised in another form. That and other Amendments had not been placed on the Paper.

It being half-past Seven of the Clock, the Chairman left the Chair to make his Report to the House.

Committee report progress; to sit again this evening.