Clause 14. — (Classification of auxiliary schools as controlled schools, aided schools, or special agreement schools.)

Part of Orders of the Day — Education Bill – in the House of Commons at on 25 February 1944.

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Photo of Mr Daniel Lipson Mr Daniel Lipson , Cheltenham

I am very glad to associate myself with the Amendment. I think it is encouraging for the future that these proposals should receive the support of representatives of as many religious bodies as possible, because it indicates what is a very good thing, understanding and appreciation by one religious body of the difficulties of another and a desire to co-operate and help. I believe that spirit will bear very good fruit, because in an Education Bill of this kind we have to take long views, and those of us who want to see after the war a better and juster order of society established realise that if that is to be brought about, all the religious bodies must co-operate, and I believe that if we can begin that co-operation in this field it will be extended elsewhere. We have been told that Roman Catholics—I think it is true of other denominations—are determined to have their schools and to maintain them at any price. As far as the Roman Catholics are concerned, I am convinced that that is no idle boast and that they will maintain their schools. Their history shows that, and we have had evidence during the discussions on the Bill how very strongly they feel on the matter, and I appreciate the feelings which actuate them. The question, therefore, is who would really benefit if the concessions asked for in these Amendments are granted. I have no hesitation in saying the children all the time. Speaking as a member of two education authorities, I have had experience in my area of Roman Catholic schools. Given the desire for goodwill on both sides, there is and need be no cause for friction.

I am satisfied that all the additional assistance given to Roman Catholics and other denominations will be put into the schools, and the schools will be better equipped for that reason, and the children will get the opportunities for education we want them to have. We all know what will happen if the denominations are given an almost impossible financial task. Their schools, through no fault of their own, will remain in many instances on the borderline. No local authority is going to stir up trouble by deciding to close a Catholic school if it can possibly be avoided. The Catholics realise that many of their schools ought to be in a better condition, and that the children would benefit if this was realised. Because I believe the children will benefit by it, I hope the President will give favourable consideration to these Amendments. I trust there will be no opposition to these proposals from other religious bodies, because there is no question of principle involved. It is simply a question whether the religious bodies should be given a chance which will enable them to do what the law allows. If the Roman Catholic body had among their members a Mr. Ford, who was prepared to give them £10,000,000 or £20,000,000, they could have all the schools they want and there could be no difficulty under the law from any religious body. But because they have to rely—I believe it is a greater source of strength to them—upon the contributions of the comparatively poor members of their own community they may not be able to realise the desired standards for their schools. Is that the proper approach to a question of this kind? Is that how we want to leave this question? I would most strongly urge the President to be generous because I believe that in religion, as in politics, magnanimity is not seldom the highest policy.