§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Government intend to introduce any Bill amending the Education Act of 1892 before the 31st instant; and if any decision has been arrived at as to the question involved in the schools of the Christian Brothers and the Church, Education Society?
§ MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)I wish, with reference to the second paragraph of the question and the intimation given, by the Chief Secretary last month that he expected to announce the decision before the rising of the House at Christmas, to ask if the question has reached a stage at which an announcement is probable?
§ MR. BRYCE (for Mr. J. MORLEY)The Education Act of 1892 appears to have been defective in defining the source from which Local Authorities in some cases are to raise funds for the purposes of the Act. The Government have prepared a short Bill on the subject, and are anxious to introduce and' pass it without delay, but this can only be done, of course, if it is treated as non-contentious. The subject-matter of the second paragraph of the question is still under the very careful consideration of the Irish Government. I do not think the time has arrived when we can make a statement, or even indicate when one is likely to be made.