§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I bog to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the resolution passed at the last meeting of the central council of Catholic school managers in Ireland regretting the refused f the Board of National Education to admit the "Story of Ireland," by A. M. Sullivan, as an historical reader for use in national schools; can he say on what grounds the Commissioners declined to sanction the use of this book; and whether the commissioners intend to the policy keeping Irish children ignorant of the history of their own country.
§ MR. BIRRELLI have seen a copy of the resolution referred to. The Commissioners of National Education inform mo that after careful consideration of the book in question they decided that it would not be suitable for use in national schools. They deny that there is any foundation for the suggestion contained in the concluding part of the Question.
§ MR. FLYNNIs not the right hon. Gentleman personally aware that this 479 book is a well-informed and most impartial synopsis of Irish history, and is generally recognised as such?
§ MR. BIRRELLI believe the book is a very good one. But, unfortunately, I have nothing to do with deciding this matter.