§ MR. E. BLAKE (Longford, S.)On behalf of the hon. Member for East Mayo (Mr. JOHN DILLON), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he can now state what course he proposes to 652 adopt with reference to the Irish Education Bill.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURsaid, as he had already stated, this Bill would not be proceeded with if it were opposed. He had received no formal intimation that it would be opposed, but if he received such formal intimation he would take steps to have the Bill discharged from the Order Paper.
§ MR. BLAKEsaid that he was authorised to say on behalf of his hon. friend (Mr. DILLON) that it would be impossible for him to assent to the Bill on account of the retention of the compulsory clauses.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThen I will take steps to have the Order discharged, and the Bill withdrawn.