§ MR. LONSDALEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland have furnished an estimate of the amount required to place defective elementary school buildings in a satisfactory condition; and whether the Commissioners of the Treasury have arrived at any conclusion as to the renewal of the building grants and an increase in the amount to be voted for this purpose.
§ MR. RUNCIMANI am informed that there has not been any recent statement by the Commissioners to the Treasury which could be described as an estimate of the amount required to place defective elementary school buildings in a satisfactory condition. On a representation, however, by the Irish Government, the Treasury consented some time since to place a sum of £40,000 for the purpose on the Estimate for Public Works and Buildings, Ireland, 1907–8, the amount available on that Vote in the current year being £20,000.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the modifications in Plan VI. A of the estimates for building Irish national schools are yet sanctioned by the Board of Education in Ireland or are likely to be.
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe suggestions of the Commissioners of National Education as to the standard plans to be adopted for the future are now being examined on behalf of the Treasury. When that examination is complete, the Treasury will do everything possible to expedite a decision.