HC Deb 02 November 1909 vol 12 cc1647-9
Mr. BOLAND

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the 270 students who presented German in the recent examination of the Intermediate Board had as many exhibitions awarded them as the 2,950 students who presented Irish, and that the possibility of this inequality was brought to his notice when the new rule of the Inter mediate Board was under discussion in October, 1908, he will now state what steps will be taken to remedy this inequality before the examination takes place in 1910; and whether notice of suspension of the existing rule will be given before the close of the present Session of Parliament?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Cherry)

I am informed by the Assistant Commissioners of Intermediate Education that the number of boys who presented themselves for examination in Irish and German respectively is correctly stated in the question, but they point out most of these boys were not candidates for exhibitions in the literary course. Only 26 per cent. of those taking Irish were eligible for such exhibitions, while 47 per cent. of those taking German were eligible. Twenty-two exhibitions were awarded to boys in Division I. (Irish and French or German), and the same number in Division II. (French and German). I am aware that the hon. Member called attention to this matter in October, 1908, but the question was not raised when the Rules for 1910 were laid on the Table of the House in May last. The Board do not propose to suspend for the year 1910 the rule determining the number of exhibitions in the various courses.

Captain DONELAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rule referred to in this question has been protested against most strongly throughout the length and breadth of Ireland?

Mr. CHERRY

I am quite aware of that, but the proper time to raise this will be when the Rules are laid upon the Table. The question can be raised again next May with regard to 1911. It is too late to do anything now with regard to 1910.

Mr. GWYNN

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that in one case there are 10 or 20 exhibitions allotted amongst a possible number of 800 students and that in the other case an equal number is allotted amongst 150 students?

Mr. CHERRY

No. I do not understand that at all. I do not know whether the number is limited or not, but I understand that the proportion of candidates in German who have attained high qualifications is very much larger than in Irish.

Mr. GWYNN

Has the right hon. Gentleman worked out the figures that he has given us as to what is the proportion between 25 per cent. of 2,900 students and 47 per cent. of 270?

Mr. CHERRY

I think my hon. Friend may do that for himself. It shows a very large preponderance in favour of German.