HC Deb 19 June 1911 vol 27 cc33-4
Mr. BOLAND

asked whether in the recently issued rules of the Intermediate Board, any and, if so, what changes have been made from those issued last year, in which the Irish language was penalised and preference was given to German; and whether, in the awarding of exhibitions, any discrimination is now made against those students who elect to be examined In Irish?

Mr. BIRRELL

The division of the modern literary course into two sections, to which the hon. Member and others objected as unfair to Irish, will cease to exist under the new rules. In the year 1912 students may present themselves for exhibitions in a group of four honour subjects, two at least of which shall be selected from French, German, Irish, or Latin. The maximum marks allotted to each of these honour subjects is the same.

Mr. BOLAND

Can I take it, therefore, that any discrimination against Irish is now being removed?

Mr. BIRRELL

Certainly, there is no discrimination. The candidates will have their selection from French, German, Irish, or Latin.