§ MR. FIELDTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland are inviting tenders for the erection of buildings at Glasnevin, and that a supply 1116 of Westmoreland slates is specified; and, seeing that Irish slates of first-class quality can be supplied at a much lower cost, whether arrangements will be made to allow of competition between the Irish and English article.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The fact is as stated in the first inquiry, but the Commissioners inform me that their architect will be instructed to allow any contractor, who so desires, to submit an alternative tender for the supply of Irish slates. The Commissioners will further consider the matter when selecting a contractor for the works.