§ MR. CLANCYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether nearly two years have elapsed since the Government informed the Beard of Intermediate Education for Ireland that the question of carrying out the Intermediate Education Act of 1900 by the establishment of a permanent inspectorate would not be entertained until the parts which examination and inspection should play in the distribution of State aid in the schools had been settled; and for what further period is it intended to defer the settlement of this point.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe Report of the Commission on Intermediate Education in Ireland recommends several substantial alterations in the system, and is adverse to the establishment of a permanent inspectorate, both on educational and financial grounds. I have already informed the hon. Member that a settlement of the question of inspection must await the result of the consideration of the Report of the Commissioners. I have no further statement to make in the matter at present.
§ MR. CLANCYThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered either part of my Question.
§ MR. WALTER LONGObviously until a scheme carrying out the Report can be devised it would be improper to adopt any system of permanent inspection.
§ MR. CLANCYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that so long ago as 1902 (October) the Intermediate Board asked the Government to sanction a scheme and the Government has done nothing in the matter.
§ MR. WALTER LONGOf course I am aware. I have stated many times that subsequent information has shown the necessity for a different scheme altogether, and hence it would be absurd to carry out the recommendation of 1902.
§ MR. CLANCYMay the Government scheme be expected by 1910?
§ [No Answer was returned.]