§ Mr. GORDONasked what provision was made by the Treasury during the three years ending 31st March, 1910, for school building grants in Ireland; and whether any, and, if so, what, provision had been made for such grants during the next three years.
§ Mr. BIRRELLProvision was made in the Estimates for building Grants for national schools in Ireland during the three years to 31st March last amounting to £120,000. An additional sum of £70,000was to have been provided from the Irish Development Grant had that fund not been depleted. The Treasury have intimated to the Irish Government that they are prepared to include in the Estimates for each of the three financial years 1910–1911, 1911–1912, and 1912–1913, a sum of £40,000 for the same purpose, in addition to which any unexpended balance for previous years beginning with 1907–1908 may be re-voted. Of the £240,000 thus provided £31,373 had been expended at the beginning of the financial year just closed.
§ Mr. GORDONAm I to understand that the £70,000 in respect of which the Development Fund has been found deficient will be replaced by a further Grant from the Treasury?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere is no understanding from that point of view at all.