16. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that there is considerable opposition in Ireland on the part of the Catholic ecclesiastical authorities to his proposed. Education Bill: whether he has seen it stated that the Bill will have the effect of interfering with the regulations for the giving of religious instruction in the schools and that the present managerial system is endangered by the Bill; and whether, in the event of its being shown that in the present Bill there is no guarantee for the security of religious teaching as at present carried on or for the continuation of the present managerial system, it is proposed to insert in the Bill a definite form of words which, in the opinion of the legal advisers of the 1505 Catholic ecclesiastical authorities, would ensure that neither one or other of these two matters were interfered with or endangered by the new proposals?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am aware that the Roman Catholic bishops have ex-pressed their opposition to certain aspects of the Bill. The statements referred to in the second part of the question may have been made, but, if so, they are quite erroneous. Clause 3 of the Bill expressly provides, in accordance with my intention, that the principles and practice now governing religious instruction in the schools shall be adhered to. There is no indication or suggestion in the Bill of any interference with the so-called managerial system. On the contrary, there are many provisions which are quite inconsistent with any discontinuance of the system. With regard to the last part of the question, I shall, of course, be prepared to consider any words proposed to be inserted in the Bill to make this position clear.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Bill is being introduced in face of the almost united hostility of the country, and can he justify the introduction of a Bill dealing with such a vital matter as primary education in Ireland when the Government are about to introduce a Bill dealing with the whole government of the country?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe Leader of the House explained the attitude of the Government with regard to the last part of the question. With regard to the first part of the question, my information is quite the reverse. I believe the vast majority of people in Ireland are in favour of this Bill, and, in any case, all those who regard education as a vital interest to the country are in favour of the Bill.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the right hon. Gentleman state to the House what manifestation of friendly feeling towards this Bill he has received from any quarter?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONTo use my hon. Friends expression, it would take me a whole week to answer that.
§ Mr. DEVLINDo you intend to go on with this Bill?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCertainly.