§ MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he has considered the statement of the standing committee of the Catholic Bishops of Ireland with reference to the Irish Education Bill; and whether he is now in a position to state what course the Government intend to take in regard to the Bill?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI stated on the introduction of this Bill, that it was not the intention of the Government to proceed with it if it should prove contentious. Up to the present time, no intimation has reached me from hon. Members for Ireland as to the view they take of the Bill; but, since the recent announcement of the Roman Catholic Bishops, I have taken it for granted that the Measure, as it stands, would be opposed. I should still be willing to drop the particular clause to which exception is taken, and proceed with the other clauses of the Bill, if there was a general desire that this course should be adopted.
MR. T. M. HEALYasked whether it was intended to maintain the 10s. 6d. limit, because that part of the clause would never be accepted without opposition?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThat is a part of the clause to which, I understand, exception is taken.
§ MR. DILLONasked whether it was the intention of the Government not to accept the conscience clause?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI think I ought to receive some intimation from hon. Gentlemen opposite whether, if that is done, the Bill will be regarded as an unopposed Bill.
MR. T. M. HEALYsaid that unless the 10s. 6d. limit was abandoned he should oppose the Bill for one.