§ MR. SLOANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that in many industrial schools children are retained against the expressed wish of their parents, who have good homes and are in a position to provide for them comfortably; and what are the reasons for refusing to restore the children of parents in such circumstances.
§ MR. BIRRELLI am not aware that the fact is as stated in the Question, and I should be surprised to find that it is so, having regard to the circumstance that in the majority of instances the destitution of the child is a determining factor in the case. Industrial schools were certainly not intended for the children of parents who are in the happy circumstances described by the hon. Member. If any such case as is referred to should be brought to my notice I will have the fullest inquiries made.
§ MR. SLOANasked if the right hon. Gentleman would reconsider his decision in regard to three children in the Black-rock School, and would allow their release if he could prove that there was a comfortable home awaiting them.
§ MR. BIRRELLI will certainly look into the case, but I may say that in the great majority of cases the poverty of the parents is the dominating factor which leads to the detention of the children in the schools.
§ MR. SLOANThe case I refer to was one affecting four children. The right hon. Gentleman released one, but refused to allow the other three to go. I can show him there is a comfortable home awaiting them.
§ MR. BIRRELLWell, I will consider the case, but I can give no pledge.