§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state to the House the nature of the representations made to the Education Commissioners on the subject of improving the conditions of service as to salary and results fees of workmistresses in National Schools; and whether any reply to these representations has been received; and, if so, can he lay upon the Table the whole correspondence on the subject?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIf the Question of the hon. Member has reference to representations made to the Commissioners within the past six months, I can only repeat what I stated on Friday, 12th instant, that representations have been made within that period respecting the fees payable to workmistresses, but none dealing specially with the salaries of these officers. Prior to this period, however, proposals were made to the Commissioners in favour of an augmentation of salaries as well as fees, and it was also suggested that the average daily attendance of girls in schools in which workmistresses are recognised should be reduced from 20 to 15. The reply to these various communications was that the proposal would be considered by the Commissioners. It would be contrary to established practice to lay this correspondence on the Table of the House.