§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what was the result of the conference between Head Inspectors Downing and Purser, representing the Commissioners of National Education, and the Very Rev. Canon Fleming, Rev. P. J. Dowling, and Mr. McMullen, architect, representing the Cork Technical Committee, respecting the use of portion of the model schools; were joint or separate reports submitted by the inspectors; and if he will state what was the nature of the Reports submitted to the Commissioners.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Inspectors made special Reports to the Commissioners. All such Reports are Departmental Documents and are invariably regarded as confidential.
§ MR. FLYNNasked what was the result of the meeting of the Commissioners of National Education in respect to the occupation of the model schools.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Commissioners asked that the schools should be given up at the earliest possible date. That was the last decision; at all events I am not aware that there was anything later. If the hon. Member wishes I will endeavour to obtain further information. As the hon. Gentleman is aware the Commissioners have a difference with the Managers of the Local Technical Instruction Committee.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Last time the right hon. Gentleman said he would communicate with the National Board and express the view that this eviction of the Technical Instruction Committee should not take place until the subject had been discussed in this House on the Education Estimates.† Has the hon. Gentleman made that representation, and if so, with what result?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI take it that the Commissioners adhere to the view that the use of the schools by the Committee must terminate on the earliest convenient
† See (4) Debates, cxxii., 1221.1319 date. I cannot say if any more definite arrangements have been made. Of course the Commissioners have the power—
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDThe date has been already fixed—the 30th June.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI cannot say whether, the earliest convenient date means the date already referred to. I am prepared to inquire.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)Is not the Technical Committee referred to representative of all classes and creeds?
§ MR. WYNDHAMEven if that were so it would not alter the authority and powers of the Commissioners.
§ MR. SLOANIs it not a fact that this Committee would never have been evicted if it had complied with the Commissioners' decision?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe matter rests with the Commissioners, not with me.
§ MR. FLYNNIs it not the fact that the Committee did comply with the requirements of the Commissioners?
§ [No answer was returned.]