§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What proportion of the expenses of the administration of 538 the Board of Intermediate Education in Ireland bear to the total income of the Board and to the amount expended yearly in fees to schools and rewards to pupils; whether the two assistant Commissioners discharge duties which might be as efficiently performed by one secretary at less than half the cost; and, if so, whether there is any intention of filling up the vacancy at present existing in the office of assistant Commissioner?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)The proportions mentioned are respectively 10.6 and 21.6 per cent, as will be seen by a reference to the accounts of the Commissioners. The Board do not believe that the duties of the two Assistant Commissioners could be as effectively performed by one Secretary, and the Government agree in this opinion. However, we are in correspondence with the Board as to whether some economies cannot be effected without detriment to the Public Service.