Mr. TALBOTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Primary Instruction Bill which received its third reading in the States of Jersey on 5th August, 1909, by the majority of 28 to 21 votes, was passed without reference to the electorate; whether he is aware that the president and three of the other members of the Primary Instruction Committee to be established by the Bill are the bailiff and three jurats, who are also president and judges of the Royal Court of Jersey, so that the same persons will be called on incidentally to interpret the law judicially after having decided it administratively, and this with power to 570 modify or annul trust deeds of voluntary and other schools; and whether he will take these circumstances into consideration before recommending its confirmation by the Privy Council?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Gladstone)I understand that the usual procedure was followed in the case of this Bill, and that the constitution of the education committee under the Bill is the same as that of the existing committee. All the circumstances or allegations mentioned by my right hon. Friend will be taken into consideration in dealing with this matter.
§ Lord R. CECILWhen is this matter likely to come before the Committee of the Privy Council, and what is the constitution of the Committee of the Privy Council?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI believe it is now before the Privy Council. It has not come before me in any shape. I cannot answer the last question.