§ Mr. JOHN MURPHYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether increments had been withheld from several teachers in consequence of cookery being omitted from the subjects of study in their schools; and, having regard to the statement to the contrary effect made to a recent deputation by the resident Commissioner, he could ascertain the exact terms of the decision arrived at by the Board in reference to this matter.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that the grant of increments has been deferred in certain cases, pending correspondence with school managers. In all such cases the Commissioners have primâ facie grounds for believing that no adequate reasons exist for the exclusion of cookery instruction from the school curriculum. The Commissioners' regulation on the subject is as follows:—"Cookery and laundry work form part of the ordinary school programme for girls enrolled in the fifth and higher standards, when suitable provision for instruction in these subjects has been secured. In such cases the successful teaching of cookery has an important bearing on the award of increments of salaries and on the promotion of teachers." I am informed that the resident Commissioner made no statement to any deputation inconsistent with this regulation.