MR. T. M. HEALYI do not propose, Sir, at this late hour, to move the Resolution which stands in my name,
That a humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying Her Majesty to with-hold her consent to the Rules made by the Lord-Lieutenant (dated November, 1897), under Section 11 of the National School Teachers (Ireland) Act, 1879.I do not see the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his place, and there would not be time now to adequately discuss an important question of this kind; but the right hon. Gentleman, the Leader of the House is 460 aware, I am sure, of the importance which we attach to the matter, and I trust we may receive some assurance from him that the Government will afford an early opportunity of discussing the subject.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI am not sure that the Supplementary Estimates would not afford a convenient opportunity for the discussion of this subject.
MR. T. M. HEALYI would remind the right hon. Gentleman that this is a matter affecting a very large body of men, and it is one of very great importance to them. I would ask him whether he cannot see his way to suspend the operation of the new Rules until Parliament has had an opportunity of expressing an opinion. The teachers have only got till the 15th or 20th of April to send in their acceptance or rejection of the Government proposals. I think, under the circumstances, it would be only fair to extend the time for their exercising their option until Parliament has considered the matter.
MR. E. F. VESEY-KNOX (Londonderry City)I also would appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to give us some opportunity of discussing this matter. It is one that concerns not only the policy of one year, but the policy of a number of years. It is a Treasury, rather than an Education, matter, and to discuss it with any fulness some special opportunity would have to be afforded.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI am unwilling to give any pledge which I might not be able to satisfy. I am informed that the Rules are actually already in force.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI am very sorry my right hon. Friend is not present, and I am consequently speaking under some disadvantage. All I can say is, I will do my best to meet the hon. and learned Gentleman. The Government do not shrink in any way from a discussion of the subject. There are difficulties in bringing it on, at any rate, this side of Easter, but I will consult my right hon. Friend, and we will do what we can to satisfy the hon. and learned Member.
§ House adjourned at 11.45.