LORD CAMPBELL, who had placed la Notice on the Paper "to call attention to the subject of appropriating a portion of the rates in boroughs for the support of existing schools, and to move a Bill upon it," said, that the Bill he now sought to introduce was identical with that which he had presented at the close of last Session. He was induced to persevere because he was actuated by a long-acquired conviction that the power of compulsory attendance, which had succeeded in Germany and Switzerland, might be adopted in this country. This, however, was the first measure in which that principle had been effectually embodied; for though he was at first under the impression that the Government Bill secured the object he had in view, he afterwards discovered that this was not the case. The Bill was, in great measure, based on that of 1853, introduced by the noble Earl (Earl Russell) who was just restored to their Lordships' House; for, like the latter, it drew a distinction between the urban and rural population, attempted to utilize the power of Town Councils, contemplated the imposition of a rate, respected existing interests, and recognized the jurisdiction of the Privy Council. The only important difference was, that the present Bill made the imposition of a rate obligatory, and that it gave to Town Councils the power of compulsion, which was generally desired. Under his scheme Town Councils would create school Boards, and 2d. in the pound added to the assessment of the borough rate would form a fund available for the support of all inspected schools, as well as of ragged and night schools. Where compulsion was required free orders would be given, parents being allowed to choose which school they would send 731 their children to. It might be objected that the Bill passed over the rural population; but educational destitution existed to a larger extent in the great towns than in the country, and he might assume that the Government Bill would make sufficient provision for the agricultural districts. Schools of the existing class were mostly adapted for the reception of children of all denominations; and all might be so adapted, while they would be multiplied to any required extent. Thus, the creation of a new type of schools, which was the source of all the controversy and discord which existed, and which would soon become the rivals of the existing schools, would be avoided. The principle of compulsion, moreover, being new and untried, would not have a fair chance unless it enlisted the sympathy and cooperation of the Anglican and Nonconformist clergy, which would not be obtained if the population were driven into schools which the clergy regarded with jealousy and coldness, if not with horror and aversion. If the Government Bill should come up to their Lordships and should be found defective, the clauses of this measure might suggest how it should be amended; and if the vicissitudes of Public Business should prevent its reaching this House, their Lordships would be able, by modifying the present measure, to meet the deficiency which chiefly called for legislation.
§ EARL GRANVILLEsaid, the noble Lord had adopted a perfectly legitimate mode of explaining his view of what he thought would be the most expedient measure with regard to education by laying a Bill upon the Table. He thought, however, it would be the feeling of the House that it would not be desirable to prosecute the Bill beyond the present stage. In the first place, an important measure on the subject was in progress through the other House, and he hoped it would be fortunate enough to reach this House during the present Session. It would be more convenient to discuss the general question of education when that measure came before their Lordships, for he understood the noble Lord to admit that it partly fulfilled the object he had in view. There was another objection to which the present Bill—though, of course, he had not yet seen it—might be open; for although it would be perfectly competent for their 732 Lordships to pass it, some difficulty on the score of privilege might arise if it were sent down to the other House.
A Bill to enable Town Councils and Local Boards to promote Education in England and Wales, presented; read 1a, (No. 100.)