§ MR. MOOREI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland out of what funds provision is made for the teaching of cookery in the-Irish national schools; if he is aware that organisers in the employment of the Commissioners of National Education have in several centres intimated to female teachers that unless they attend lectures in cookery at their own expense their increments of good service salary will be withheld.
§ MR. BIRRELLProvision for the teaching of cookery in national schools is made in the Vote for Public Education, Ireland. The Commissioners of National Education inform me that organisers of cookery instruction have no authority to express any opinion as to the withholding or granting of good service increments to teachers. They are merely authorised to invite teachers to attend the lectures and demonstrations given for their benefit. If any organiser has exceeded his authority, the Commissioners will be prepared to investigate the matter on being furnished with particulars.