§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIEN (for Mr. Kelly)asked whether fifteen vacancies have occurred on the Board of National Education within the past ten years, nine in the period 1901–5 and six in the period 1907–10; whether appointments to these vacancies are in all cases made by the Lord Lieutenant; whether, seeing that three-fourths of the Board have thus been renewed within ten years, the Government can, in effect, disclaim responsibility for the Beard; whether the Government can, by means of these appointments, exercise an effective control over the Board; and whether the Resident Commissioner has a virtual veto over the appointments?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education are appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, and fifteen out of a total of twenty Commissioners have been appointed during the past ten years. The Government has no power to interfere with the Commissioners in the exercise of the powers conferred on them by their charters. The Resident Commissioner has no voice in the appointment of members of the Board.
§ Mr. P. O'BRIENMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether His Excellency makes any attempt by consulting the education lists to get members upon this Board who know something of the work that they have to do?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOh yes; both His Excellency and myself are most anxious to get members of the Board who are acquainted with this work. We do our very best.
§ Mr. P. O'BRIENIn view of the fact that there is a vacancy now, will the right hon. Gentleman select a gentleman for the office who is a practical educationist?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIf the hon. Gentleman can tell me what a practical educationist is, I will endeavour to meet his view.
§ Mr. P. O'BRIENSomebody, to begin with, who is not a retired judge. I would suggest some retired inspector of schools or university professor.