HC Deb 27 June 1910 vol 18 cc665-6
Mr. SCANLAN

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what provision, if any, the Government propose to make for improving the condition of the national school teachers of Ireland as regards their salaries, promotion, and pensions; and whether, in view of the recommendation of the Commissioners of National Education that the grievances of the teachers as regards pensions should be inquired into, he will recommend the appointment of a Commission to investigate at once the conditions of salaries, promotions, and pensions of Irish national school teachers?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

His Majesty's Government cannot under existing circumstances undertake to propose a further provision from public funds with a view to improving the salaries, prospects of promotion, and pensions of Irish National School teachers. I am not prepared to recommend the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the subject.

Mr. SCANLAN

Is it a fact that, although these national school teachers have to contribute towards their pensions, the provision made for them in a number of cases is less than that made in ordinary cases under the Old Age Pensions Act?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I could not answer that either affirmatively or negatively without notice.

Mr. SCANLAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been directed to the recommendation of the Commissioners on National Education in Ireland that the pension scheme for teachers in Ireland is so defective that in their opinion it is necessary for inquiry into it?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My notice has not been called to that particular recommendation. It has been brought to many other matters. All I can say is that it would involve great expense.

Mr. SCANLAN

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has read the question which I addressed to him on the 17th inst., and which drew his attention to the recommendation of the Commissioners on National Education?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The question asks me what provision, if any, the Government proposes to make, and I have asserted that the Government do not propose to make any.