HC Deb 14 October 1908 vol 194 cc316-7
MR. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received representations that Rule 14 (b) in the rules of Examinations for 1909, made by the Intermediate Education Board for Ireland, will be detrimental to the interests of education and will deprive many youths of a chance of obtaining an exhibition; whether this rule has been made solely from motives of economy; whether he will bring the matter to the notice of the Intermediate Education Board with a view to its being reconsidered; and whether he proposes to afford the House any opportunity of discussing the matter.

MR. BIRRELL

The question whether the operation of the rule referred to should be postponed until after the next examination, is at present before the Intermediate Education Board, and will come up for further consideration at their next mooting.

MR. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the headmasters in Ireland object very strongly to this rule on educational grounds, and he states that they are willing to forego their fees on the second course if the prohibition is withdrawn.

*MR. BIRRELL

There are two questions involved, the merits of the rule and the equity of giving notice. The general feeling is that notice should have been given.

MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rules for the coming year were only circulated last August.

MR. BIRRELL

Yes, Sir.