§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Chief Secretary if scholarships in England are available to the pupils of primary schools which 1909 carry them on to the secondary schools where they have access to other scholarships which bring them on to the Universities; and whether the Government will do anything to link up primary education in Ireland with the national university?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that, in all secondary schools recognised by the Board of Education in England for grants in the higher scale, free places are offered at the beginning of each school year to pupils who have been under instruction in public elementary schools. The question how similar advantages can be provided for pupils in primary schools in Ireland is one deserving of most careful consideration, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject. It cannot be done by amendment of the Universities Act. It is open to pupils of secondary schools in England or Ireland to compete for scholarships at the Universities.
§ Mr. FFRENCHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong local feeling in connection with this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI know.