§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Commissioners of National Education will give reasons for retaining the present temporary manager of the Lislea national school in opposition to the wishes of the people of the district, as evidenced by the memorial praying for his removal, which was sent to the Commissioners two years ago; whether he will state the date of the last visit made by the temporary manager to the school; and whether his appointment is in conformity with Rule 44 (e).
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that they appointed the Reverend Mr. Simpson as temporary manager of this school pending the appointment of a new minister of Drumhillery church, who, in the ordinary course, would be appointed manager of the school as his predecessor was. A new minister has not yet been appointed, and in the meantime the existing arrangement has worked satisfactorily, and the Commissioners do not intend to alter it until a new minister is appointed. The last visit of Mr. Simpson of which the Commissioners have a record took place on 18th October last, but a local gentleman visits the school on Mr. Simpson's behalf. The 861 rule to which the hon. Member intends to refer appears to be rule 40 (e). The Commissioners have riot furnished me with any observations on the final inquiry of the Question; but it would appear that any question as to the observance by the Commissioners of their own rules is a matter for their own decision.