MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether governors (other than religious orders) of industrial schools in Ireland are required by law to advertise for tenders before entering into contracts for the supply of all goods required for those institutions; how many industrial schools are under lay managers in Ireland; where are they situate; and do the managers of those schools advertise for tenders; and is the Press allowed to be present when the contracts are under discussion; if not, will he see that in the interest of the ratepayers all contracts are advertised, and that the Press shall be free to report the proceedings of all meetings, and especially when contracts are under discussion?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo distinction is drawn in the general regulations relating to industrial schools in Ireland between schools under lay and clerical management, respectively. There are nine Protestant and two Roman Catholic schools under lay management, and the remaining sixty schools are, I believe, under the management of Roman Catholic religious orders. The hon. 1128 Member will find further particulars as to the location of these schools in the annual report of the Inspector presented to Parliament. It has not been the practice, so far as I am aware, to admit the Press to be present at the proceedings of the managers of such schools, and I am not aware of any legal provision requiring either that the deliberations of the managers should be open to the Press, or that tenders for supplies shall be invited by public advertisement.