§ MR. CONDON (Tipperary, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the rules regulating the supply of books to pupils in Irish National schools compel teachers to send for supplies, through the Commissioners, to the various booksellers from whom they may have to order school requisites; whether he is aware that in the case of small orders they are compelled to send from 10 to 25 per cent. more than cost price, though the books so purchased must afterwards be sold at cost price, and, seeing that there are local agents for the various firms of booksellers from whom those supplies could be got at cost price with no inconvenience or expense to the teacher, whether permission will be given to the teachers to purchase their school supplies from the local agents.
§ MR. WYNDHAMIn the case of very small orders some of the contractors charge a small percentage to cover cost of carriage or postage. If a manager desires to purchase these small quantities locally the matter will be considered by the Commissioners.