§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLIN (Kilkenny, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware 4 that the Belfast Corporation proposes to reduce the capitation grant of the local reformatory and industrial schools from 2s. 6d. to 2s.; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent its being adopted, more especially as the existent grant involves an extra rate of only one-eighth of a penny in the £.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The Government has no information that the fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. An agreement by a local public body to contribute towards the support of children in reformatory and industrial schools is made with the managers of these institutions and does not come in any way before the Executive for approval, nor has the Executive any jurisdiction to interfere in the direction suggested in the Question.