§ MR. J. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state whether the condition excluding schools under an average of 35 from participation in the additional grant of £114,000 for primary education in Ireland was imposed by the Treasury against the wishes of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland; whether the Commissioners of National Education protested very strongly against the exclusion; and whether, having regard to the hardship of the condition on the poorest section of primary teachers, the Treasury would be prepared to reconsider their decision.
(Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) The condition in question was not suggested by the Commissioners of National Education, and the Commissioners have, I understand, protested against it. I am, however, of opinion, after fully considering the question, that the limitation is a proper one in the circumstances, and I see no sufficient reason for reopening the decision.