HC Deb 25 June 1908 vol 191 cc102-3
MR. FLYNN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, in reference to the adoption of a system mainly founded upon inspection in connection with intermediate education in Ireland, whether the objection of the Irish Government to the appointment of a permanent inspectorate in conformity with the recommendations of the Report of the Commission in 1899 and with the provisions of the Act of 1900, is founded upon financial considerations or upon other grounds; and whether, in view of the anxiety in Ireland as to the future of intermediate examination, the Government will consent to the publication of the correspondence between the Intermediate Education Board and the Irish Government on this subject.

MR. BIRRELL

I have already informed the hon. Member that this entire matter is engaging my attention, and that I hope the appointment of inspectors can shortly be arranged. In these circumstances, I do not think that any advantage could be gained by entering further into the reasons why a permanent inspectorate has not yet been appointed, or by publishing the correspondence referred to.

MR. FLYNN

Then the correspondence is not to be published?

MR. BIRRELL

I do not think it desirable.

MR. FLYNN

Was the delay in the appointment of this permanent inspector due to the action of the Treasury?

MR. BIRRELL

No, not on this occasion.