§ Mr. REDDYasked why it is that the Estimate for Irish Education for the year 1911–12 is reduced by £3,500, while the Estimate for England and Scotland is increased by £460,000; why is this decrease, 2217 while the claims for heating and cleansing the schools, for greater security of tenure for assistants, and for better pensions have been neglected, though promised on several occasions.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEFor the explanation of the increase of the Estimates for public education, England and Wales, and Scotland, I would refer the hon. Member to the memorandum by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (House of Commons 63). I may add that the figures of school attendance are rising in England and Scotland and appear to be sinking in Ireland. In these circumstances Education Grants which, as the hon. Member is aware, meet only a proportion of the cost of education in the United Kingdom, tend to rise in England and Scotland, while in Ireland, where practically the whole cost of primary education is borne by the Exchequer, the Vote remains approximately stationary. I am not aware of any pledges having been given which are not being carried out. The pension question is under consideration.