HC Deb 16 March 1905 vol 143 cc201-2
MR. SLOAN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will explain for what reason the teaching of experimental science under the Board of Education in Ireland is now being stopped for want of funds; and whether, in view of the fact that the teaching of experimental science in Irish national schools has the approval of all creeds and classes, he will renew the grant required to meet the necessary expenditure.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry, N.

At the request of my right hon. friend I will reply to this Question. The period for which the original grant for the science training of teachers by the Board's organisers was made expires on the 31st instant. It is not correct to say that the teaching of elementary science has been stopped for want of funds; on the contrary, instruction in elementary science is progressing in the schools and there is no reason to anticipate that it will diminish in the future.

MR. SLOAN

Why has the renewal of the grant been refused?

MR. ATKINSON

The period for which it was made has not yet expired.