HC Deb 26 June 1906 vol 159 cc789-90
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Intermediate Education Commissioners changed their programme last year, two months after the school year began, by replacing botany as a special subject counting for an exhibition, after they had deposed it and hygiene, amongst other subjects, in the rules issued in 1906; and whether, seeing that the Board did make these alterations in their programme in the month of October, when the House was not sitting, he will explain why they refuse now to make alterations involving no greater difficulty.

MR. BRYCE

I am informed by the Commissioners of Intermediate Education that the facts are as stated in the Question. The alteration made in the month of October, 1905, in the rules for 1906 affected a very small number of candidates and did not in any way influence the conditions of passing the examination generally. The alterations now in question would concern a very large number of candidates and the character of the pass examination would be modified.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Is it not a fact that the alterations which this House adopted were not at all as difficult as the alterations adopted by the Board without the consent of the House?

MR. BRYCE

That is not the case according to the information given me by the Board.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Is it not a fact that members of the Board have stated that it is misleading to say that there is any difficulty whatever in adopting the suggestions of the House?

MR. BRYCE

I do not know.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Can we get a day to discuss this matter, because it is a very serious one.

MR. BRYCE

The business of the House is not under my control, as the hon. Member knows.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Is the right hon. Gentleman now in a position to give an Answer to the Question I addressed to him the other day—is it true that after this House unanimously passed a Resolution altering these rules the Board of Intermediate Education passed a Resolution refusing to alter them?

MR. BRYCE

I do not think that arises out of the Question, but at any rate I am not in a position to announce the terms of the correspondence.

MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S)

Is it a fact that this House has no control over the Commissioners?

MR. BRYCE

Hon. Members can look at the statute under which the Board was established and they will see what the legal position is.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Has not the Board control in this respect, that if the Board disregard the action of this House the right hon. Gentleman or the Government can dismiss the Board?

MR. BRYCE

I am not aware that that is so.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Is not the Board by its very constitution bound by a Resolution of this House?

MR. BRYCE

I venture to think, Mr. Speaker, that these questions do not arise out of the Question on the Paper.