§ MR. PARNELL (Cork)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, having regard to the expression of Irish opinion, he will devote Ireland's share of the sum allocated for free education to the temporary remission of school fees in Ireland, pending the introduction of a measure dealing more permanently with the matter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe question does not substantially differ from one put to me before by an hon. Member on that side of the House, when I pointed out that it would be almost impossible—certainly it would be inexpedient—to make any temporary allocation for purposes of education. This money cannot be allocated in a satisfactory manner without a Bill.
§ MR. SEXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the unanimous opinion of the Irish Members that the money ought to be applied to education?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have already explained that that will be impossible, and I do not know of any scheme that could be laid before me that would qualify that opinion. I shall, however, be glad to consider any plan that may be submitted.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it is not possible to allocate the money by resolution?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not think that a difficult and important matter of this kind ought to be dealt with in that manner.