§ Order read, for receiving Report of Amendments.
§ LORD NORTONMy Lords, I beg to give notice that on the Third Reading of this Bill I will move the insertion of words in what has been called the "Conscience Clause," that is Clause 4, with regard to religion, which directs that the Court, having rejected the application of a parent as unfit to be entrusted with his child's guardianship, but finding that the child is being brought up in a religion differing from that of its parent may order it to be brought up in his religion. If it is desirable the child should be brought up in that religion which has led to its abandonment and to the unfitness of the parent to take it back again, and available means are to be found for bringing it up in that religion, the Bill should state upon what funds that charge should fall. At present the Bill makes it necessary for the Court to secure that the child shall be brought up in the reprobate parent's religion, and there may be no means for doing that. The Bill should state where the expense, after removing a child from a foster-parents care, should fall, and I beg to give notice that I shall move the insertion of words for that purpose on the Third Reading.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORPerhaps the noble Lord will kindly reduce his Amendment into writing. I had intended to move the Third Reading to-morrow night, but if it will be convenient to the noble Lord I will say Thursday.
§ LORD NORTONI will read the words I propose to add—
Provided means can be found available for the education of the child in such religion, and any coats so incurred shall be a charge on the school rate, if any, in the district.
§ Amendments reported (according to order); and Bill to be read 3a on Thursday next.