§ Mr. KAVANAGHasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Catholic Clerical Managers' Association, the Protestant Episcopalian Managers' Association, the Presbyterian Education Committee, and the Methodist Body in Ireland have declared their willingness to bear half the cost of heating and cleaning the National schools under their management providing that the remaining half be borne by the Treasury; whether the Commissioners of National Education (Ireland) are willing to frame the necessary regulations, should such a scheme be brought to a successful issue; and, if so, whether, in accordance with his promise, he is now prepared to press the matter upon the Treasury?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education have received resolutions from the Catholic Managers' Association and the Methodist Body to the effect stated in the question, and they understand that the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church is also in favour of the proposal. They have not yet been made aware of the views of Protestant Episcopalian Managers. The best method of dealing with this most important question is still in the stage of consideration, and I am prepared to give careful attention to any practical solution which has the support of the school managers of the different denominations in Ireland. The Commissioners of National Education are ready to co-operate in every way in their power.
§ Mr. JOHN MURPHYWill the right hon. Gentleman say how he proposes to arrive at any practical solution without calling all the parties together?
§ Mr. BIRRELLWe have gone a long way as it is, and we have got them almost all in hand in the matter. I do not know that there is any great advantage to be gathered from a convention on the subject.