CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will say if there is any Departmental objection to the Union Jack being hoisted over national schools in Ireland where a general desire is expressed for such outward sign of loyalty, and where the manager raises no objection.
§ MR. BIRRELLBefore taking any steps in this matter, I must be supplied with better evidence than I possess to satisfy me that the hoisting of the Union Jack over national schools in Ireland would promote the peace, harmony, and loyalty of the neighbourhood.
CAPTAIN CRAIGMay I ask in all sincerity whether in those parts of the country where the people are unanimously loyal——
CAPTAIN CRAIGIn Ulster. Is there any objection to hoisting Union Jacks, a largo number of which have been supplied for that purpose?
§ MR. BIRRELLI should be very glad to be supplied with evidence as to complete unanimity existing in any part of Ireland. I have no desire whatever to interfere with the wishes of the Department.
CAPTAIN CRAIGI press for an answer. Where there is a unanimous desire on the part of the children, their parents, and the managers, is there any objection to the flying of the Union Jack?
§ MR. BIRRELLWhere complete unanimity exists in the neighbourhood the flying of the Union Jack is an excellent thing, but I do not wish it to become a centre of dissension.