§ MR. JUSTIN M'OARTHY (Londonderry) asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether repeated representations have lately been made by Convent Lace Schools and Schools of Art in Ireland as to the advantages of a regular continuance of Mr. Alan Cole's lectures and instructions upon designs for Irish lace; whether Mr. Cole has been, or will be, directed to renew his visits and lectures to those schools and convents in March and October of the present year; and, whether similar appeals have been made by convents and schools of art in Ireland for the renewal of Mrs. Power Lalor's inspection of the materials and methods of making the laces in Ireland?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.I understand that some representations of the character referred to in the first paragraph of the hon. Member's Question have been received by the Irish Government, and I have seen testimony from other quarters as to the good work that has been effected by Mr. Alan Cole's visits. Some provision has been made for continuing these visits, but I am not aware that any dates have been fixed for them. The convenience of the Science and Art Department, to which Mr. Cole is attached, will have to be 1116 considered as well as the question of expense. So far as I know, no applications have been made by convents and schools of art for the renewal of Mrs. Power Lalor's inspection.