HC Deb 02 December 1908 vol 197 c1473
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Development Grant was made to Ireland as an equivalent of the increased education grants to England and Wales under the Education Act of 1902; and whether he is able to state the amount which Ireland should receive as the equivalent of the increased grants to English and Scottish education, under Acts subsequent to 1902 or contemplated under the Education Bills now before Parliament.

MR. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. With respect to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to a reply given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for West Kerry on 14th March last. I will send him a copy. As regards the last part of the Question I am not aware of any reason for increasing the grants for education in Ireland, in connection with the English Education Bill or otherwise, as practically the whole cost of elementary education in Ireland is already borne on Votes of Parliament.

MR. LONSDALE

Has not the equivalent grant to Scotland been largely increased?

MR. HOBHOUSE

If the hon. Member will give me notice I will inquire.