§ Mr. BOLANDasked the right hon. Gentleman can he now state what decision has been arrived at by the Intermediate Education Board with respect to the matters reserved for their special consideration at their meeting on the 22nd instant; and can he state what steps, if any, will be taken to change the rule governing the division of exhibitions in the modern literary course?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe matters to which the hon. Member refers are, I presume, the suggested reconsideration of the examination papers, the issue of the prize lists, and the revision of the existing rules. I have already informed the hon. Member for East Kerry that the Commissioners of Intermediate Education have declined to adopt the suggestion that the honour papers should be re-examined. This decision applies to French and German as well as to Irish. The prize lists have now been issued. They were reserved for consideration by a full meeting of the Board, because it was found that the award of prizes to all those eligible under the rules would involve a considerable inroad on the reserve funds of the Board. Having regard to the diminution of their income the Board inform me that it will be necessary in future to reduce the amount allocated to book prizes. I understand that the Board will shortly have their rules under consideration and will discuss any alterations which may be desirable.
§ Mr. BOLANDDo I understand that there is some possibility before the next meeting of the Board that some extra exhibitions will be given? Is that the effect of his answer?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, I cannot hold out any definite promise on that subject, and I am really not authorised to do so. I have no control over the Board.