HC Deb 17 July 1907 vol 178 cc694-5
MR. JOHN REDMOND

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state whether arrangements have now been made for the placing on the Irish Estimates for next year of a small sum so as to enable a discussion to take place on the question of the Intermediate Education Vote for Ireland.

MR. BIRRELL

I have carefully inquired into this matter, and find that there would be considerable difficulty in the way of taking the exceptional course suggested in the Question. The funds administered by the Intermediate Education Board have been assigned to the Board by statute and are not voted by this House. Seeing that Parliament has thus placed the Board in an independent position in respect of funds, it does not appear to me that the object in view would be attained by placing on the Estimates a small sum for which the Board have not asked and which they probably do not want. The rules, however, which the Board annually make for carrying out the purposes entrusted to them are subject to the approval of the Lord-Lieutenant and are laid before Parliament in order that Parliament may disapprove of them if it should think fit. I cannot at present say what discussion of the Board's policy may be possible next session, but I should think that there will be no difficulty in finding a suitable opportunity, and on that point I will consult the Prime Minister when the time arrives.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the opportunity of discussion of rules which were laid on the Table of the House only arises after 11 o'clock, which is no real opportunity at all, and whether it was not a fact that the sum of £80,000 or £90,000 a year is voted without any opportunity whatever of discussing the amount; and further, whether there are not several precedents for putting down what is known to Parliament as a token vote upon the Estimates for the purpose of enabling matters of this kind to be discussed?

MR. BIRRELL

That sometimes is done, but it appears to me to be a clumsy mode of raising a question having regard to the fact that some £80,000 or £90,000 a year is voted. I will, however, consider the whole question. I agree it is of the utmost importance to have a discussion even after 11 o'clock.