HC Deb 31 March 1885 vol 296 cc1087-8
MR. SEXTON

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether in future Reports of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland a Return will be given containing information similar to that contained in a Paper printed by order of this House on 27th May, 1884, viz., a Return of the attendances made by each Commissioner at the ordinary or special meetings of the Board; the dates of such meetings; and the names of Commissioners present on each occasion, &c.; and, whether he can assure this House that the attendance of the several members of the Board is satisfactory to Her Majesty's Government, or in any degree commensurate with the importance of the charge committed to the care of the Commissioners?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

The proposal in the first part of this Question is one which so obviously concerns the Commissioners of Education themselves, that until I have had an opportunity of learning their views regarding it I can make no statement whatever on the subject. I understand the Commissioners will consider the matter at their meeting to-day. As regards the general question, the Return quoted by the hon. Member shows that on no occasion during the year to which it relates did the attendance of Commissioners fall short of the number necessary to constitute a quorum, and the Government have no reason to suppose this state of affairs is other than the normal one. Speaking for the present Government, I can assure the hon. Member that in filling up any vacancies on the Board one of the main considerations we have in view is the ability of the gentleman selected to give a satisfactory attendance at the Board.

MR. SEXTON

asked if the right hon. Gentleman was aware that there were 40 ordinary meetings of the Board held during the year; whether a large number of them were attended by only three members, and several by only two; and if the Government considered these attendances satisfactory?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

I have looked into the Return, and I have nothing to add.

MR. BIGGAR

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, How many assistant teachers were in the service of the National Education Board (Ireland) on the 31st December 1883, whose places, if vacated, could not be filled under the average at present required for assistants?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

I understand the number was 676.