§ MR. W. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware that the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland could not make an application in the promised proportion of nine-eightieths, as the Supplementary Estimates had not been arranged or granted; and, whether the Treasury will grant the large sum due as arrears to the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, calculated on the nine-eightieth basis for the past years?
§ MR. HANBURYThe hon. Member can hardly be aware that the Education Commissioners did actually make an application for nine-eightieths of the English Supplementary Estimate for 1895–6 before the year had expired, and that their claim has been allowed. I have repeatedly stated that the grants for 1894–5 and previous years were definitely settled by the late Parliament in accordance with the Act, and that it is impossible for the present Government to reopen the account.