§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether Her Majesty's Government have taken into consideration the evidence given before the Royal Commission for the Advance of Technical Education, with a view to utilizing the information gained on the Continent for the amelioration of the condition of the population of the West and the North West of Ireland, by providing technical instruction in industries suited to the condition of the people?
§ MR. MUNDELLAPerhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to answer the Question. The evidence before the Royal Commission on Technical Instruction is not yet 224 complete, and none has yet been presented. The Chairman, Mr. Samuelson, and Mr. Magnus visited Ireland last September for the purpose of placing the Commission in communication with persons in a position to give information on the best means of introducing domestic industries into the West of Ireland; and they have issued a series of questions which are now in circulation, and to which some replies containing valuable information have already been received. Mr. Woodall and the Secretary, Mr. Redgrave, undertook a journey through the Black Forest and Thuringia in order to inspect the home industries carried on there. A Report on their visit is now being prepared by them for the information of the Commission. The Commissioners are now in Belgium, and some of them will proceed to Holland. They are including domestic industries in their inquiry in those countries. I understand it is probable that they may make a special Report on this part of the subject, apart from their general Report.