HC Deb 12 March 1897 vol 47 cc554-5
Mr. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state whether it comes within the scope of the Inquiry on Manual and Practical Instruction in Irish National Schools now sitting in Dublin, to investigate and make a recommendation on the system and scale of payment to Irish workmistresses; and if so, will facilities be offered to work-mistresses in the rural districts of Ireland to appear before the Commission and give evidence?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)

I am unable to say whether the Commission on Manual and Practical Instruction will consider the question referred to as coming within the scope of the reference to them. I understand that evidence has already been taken with reference to the teaching of needlework in National Schools by workmistresses, and any person desiring to give evidence before the Commission should communicate with the Secretary. The Commission propose to visit Belfast, Cork, and Galway, and possibly a few other places in Ireland.

Mr. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland can he state whether any recommendations have been made during the past six months to the Commissioners of National Education as to the justice and advisability of reasonably increasing the annual salary and results fees of workmistresses in Irish National Schools; and, if so, can he hold out any hope that this grievance on the part of these teachers will be considered and redressed?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Recommendations have, I understand, been made from various quarters to the Commissioners on the subject of an increase in the fees payable to workmistresses for instruction in needlework, but no proposals appear to have been made to them dealing specially with the salaries of workmistresses. As regards the inquiry at the end of the Question, I am afraid I cannot at present add anything to my reply to the the similar Question of the hon. Member for North Monaghan of the 8th February.

Mr. J. P. FARRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the reply of the Commissioners of National Education to the proposal?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am unable to say.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to give notice that I shall ask a question on the subject on Tuesday.