PAROCHIAL AND BURGH SCHOOLS (SCOTLAND) BILL—SECOND READING.

HL Deb 25 July 1861 vol 164 cc1467-9

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE DUKE OF ARGYLL,

in moving the second reading of the Parochial and Burgh Schools (Scotland) Bill, said, it was a measure of considerable importance, the subject of which was keenly debated by their Lordships three or four years ago. But, as the measure was then strongly opposed by the majority of the Scotch Peers, it was rejected. It was felt that without some compromise no measure had much chance of passing, and he was happy to say that now, by the exertions of the Lord Advocate and others, an agreement had been come to, and he believed no objections would be made to the provisions of the Bill. The chief provisions of the measure were to provide an increased salary to the parochial schoolmasters of Scotland; and, instead of the test now required from them by which they declared themselves to be members of the Established Church of Scotland, it was enacted they should give a pledge that they would not do anything contrary to the interests of that Church. This was a settlement of the question that was, perhaps, open to some objections; but it was necessary to consider what was the present state of public opinion. There were other provisions in the Bill, among them one for the removal of inefficient or superannuated schoolmasters, which was a matter of considerable importance in Scotland.

Moved, that the Bill be now read 2.^a

LORD KINNAIRD

said, he should not oppose the second reading; but contended that the Bill totally sacrificed the principle that was successfully maintained in a former discussion. It was a revolutionary measure. By one clause it severed that connection between the parochial schools and the Church of Scotland which for nearly 300 years had been a blessing to the country, by securing a religious education to the people. The only party favourable to the Bill was a religious body in Scotland opposed to the Established Church. He should be glad to assent to any proposal for increasing the salaries of the schoolmasters—a most deserving body of men; but to do so it was not necessary to sever the connection between them and the Church. He should explain that the salaries of the parochial schoolmasters were fixed periodically, every twenty years. In 1853 one of these periods expired, and the new average, based on the price of grain, reduced the salaries by £3 or £4 a year. This was very hard on the schoolmasters. The majority of the heritors were willing to make up the deficiency. The Lord Advocate, however, who was a distinguished member of the Free Church, would not consent to do anything in the matter unless the connection of the schools with the Church were given up. It was only to please one section of religious Dissenters that this iniquitous proceeding was to be carried out. The measure was, moreover, in direct contradiction to the Report of the Commission presided over by the noble Duke below him (the Duke of Newcastle).

THE EARL OF GALLOWAY

said, that the Ministers of the Church felt that this measure was a reflection upon their respectability and efficiency; and it was to be regretted that the matter had not been fairly and fully brought before the parties who were chiefly interested. He apprehended the greatest danger from the withdrawal of the religious test, and if anybody moved the rejection of the Bill he should vote for the Amendment.

THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH

said, it was very remarkable that this Bill was not brought forward till after the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland had ceased to sit. During the 300 years which the old system had existed the Ministers had always felt the greatest pride in the connection of their Church with the religious education of the people, and no objections had been raised either by the children or their parents to the mode in which the schoolmasters were appointed. There was a great deal in the measure which he thought very beneficial; but he did object to the severance between the Church of Scotland and the parochial schools.

THE EARL OF MINTO

said, that whilst this Bill repealed one test it in fact enacted another, though the new one would no doubt not exclude so many as the old one. He felt he should be neglecting his duty if he did not strenuously protest against the new test.

THE EARL OF AIRLIE

, without asserting that this Bill was perfect in all its details, supported its second reading, on the ground that it would secure most desirable objects, and expressed his opinion that the Government deserved great credit for introducing it.

LORD POLWARTH

was most anxious that the condition of schoolmasters in Scotland should be improved, but he disapproved the provisions of this Bill, because it would, to a great extent, dissolve the connection which had so long existed between the parochial and burgh schools and the Church of Scotland.

On Question, agreed to; Bill read 2^a accordingly; and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on To-morrow.

LORD KINNAIRD

gave notice that in Committee he should move the omission of Clauses 12 and 22, together with a portion of the preamble.

THE DUKE OF ARGYLL

said, that the adoption of this Amendment would be tantamount to the rejection of the Bill, and he, therefore, hoped that noble Lords who were anxious that a measure upon this subject should pass this year would vote against it.