Roman Catholic Schools
Sik—As you rightly stated in the Spectator of November 18th, " the supreme achievement of the Education Act of 1944 was the agreed settlement of the religious question." For generations this controversy over the schools, often accompanied by much bitterness, had done much to hamper educational progress. The compromise put forward by Mr. R. A. Butler, and its acceptance by Parliament, were therefore greeted by most educationists with heartfelt relief. it is irresponsible to argue, as Mr. J. M. Merriman did in his letter in the Spectator of November 25th, that, " As for getting preferential treatment, the onus is surely on the other denominations to put forward similar proposals." That they will do so is what educationists fear, and the reason why the settlement of 1944 was essential. The country, as is plain to see and well known at least to all parents, is striving desperately hard and against tremendous odds to supply one set of good buildings to every school area. At the present rate of progress it will not achieve its aim under twenty years. What would happen if every denomination were allowed to demand a school in their area at the expense of the ratepayers is too terrible to con- template. Some denominations have already shown wisdom in concen- trating their money available for education on their training colleges, whence, with the instruction they have received, the teachers can hope to influence the whole community, through the county schools, with their Christian beliefs. If more is thought to be needed the denomination must abide by the Act and provide the funds.—Yours faithfully,
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