The Bishop of Exeterseeing the noble Marquess, (the Marquess of Lansdowne) wished to know whether it were the intention of the Government to propose a revival of the Committee for an inquiry into the new plan of Education in Ireland: and if that were not intended, whether Government meant to introduce any measure or resolution founded on the report of the Commissioners?
§ The Marquess of Lansdownetook it for granted that the right rev. Prelate had addressed him because he had been last year chairman of the committee which sat upon this subject; and he was very happy in being able to give the information which was required. It certainly was neither his intention nor that of her Majesty's Ministers to propose the revival of the Committee of last year. He was far from saying, that it was not possible that further information might be elicited, but looking to the extent of the inquiry, the great body of evidence which was produced, and the information which the Commissioners were enabled to afford in their last report, it was certainly not his intention to revive the Committee. As to the second question, he was not prepared at present to state that any measure was intended. The Report of the Commissioners had not been specially brought under the notice of the Government, which, if it were to determine upon submitting any measure founded thereon, would take care that due notice was given of such a proceeding.
The Bishop of Exetersaid, that the next question which he had to put was, whether the recommendations contained in the fourth report of the Commissioners in the year 1828, relative to religious education, had received the sanction of her Majesty's Ministers?
§ The Marquess of Lansdownereplied, that he had already stated that the Report of the Commissioners had never been formally brought under the consideration of Government; but he had no hesitation in saying for himself that he fully concurred in the suggestions contained in the Report which had been referred to. The plan of education recommended, met with his entire concurrence and approbation.
The Bishop of ExeterAlter the inten- 931 tion stated on the part of the Government not to revive the Committee, should not himself make a motion to that effect. If any steps, however, were taken in relation to the report and the evidence, he should consider such a proceeding most unjustifiable, unless her Majesty's Ministers were to give those who had been gravely inculpated by the evidence which was produced, an opportunity of being examined, should they deem it necessary. He thought no measure ought to be introduced without giving full and ample time, especially to the Commissioners, to have an examination entered into respecting the particulars which came forth in evidence. As the noble Marquess stated, that her Majesty's Ministers had not decided on bringing forward any measure, he should not presume to lay before them what was his ulterior intention; but he most cheerfully and gladly waited for the final decision of Government.