HC Deb 09 March 1911 vol 22 cc1376-8
Mr. W. A. REDMOND

asked whether, in view of the urgency of the case, the Board of National Education for Ireland have applied for funds from the Treasury to enable schools to be built at Coalisland, county Tyrone, to accommodate 300 children; and, if not, whether they intend doing so?

Mr. BIRRELL

As stated in reply to the hon. Member's question on 2nd instant, the case of the school referred to is one of several which have recently been the subject of correspondence with the Treasury. It has not been put forward by the Commissioners of National Education as a case of greater urgency than a number of others.

Mr. W. A. REDMOND

asked whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, in their Report for the year 1910, state that the Treasury Grant is wholly inadequate for their immediate needs; and what steps he intends to take, if any, to impress upon the Treasury the necessity of supplying the necessary funds?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have seen the statement referred to. The Irish Government have been for some time in communication with the Treasury on the subject. The way the matter stands is this: The amount provided for the six years ending 31st March, 1913, is £240,000. Of this amount only £147,722 has been actually paid out by the Board of Works, but the Commissioners of National Education have sanctioned grants to the amount of £235,887, and have approved provisionally of the erection of schoolhouses in 130 additional cases, at a total estimated cost of £135,000. It will be seen, therefore, that the Commissioners have anticipated to a considerable extent the Parliamentary Grants, and are not in a position to enter into fresh obligations. In that sense there are no funds available, but there is still £92,278 to be spent before the £240,000 is exhausted.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to have this grant increased?

Mr. BIRRELL

I quite agree that from the point of view of the necessities of Ireland this grant is insufficient. Of course, there are a great many other demands made upon the Treasury.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

asked in how many cases the erection or completion of vested schools in Ireland is being delayed because of the failure of the Treasury to provide the grants which they have provided for many years past in similar cases?

Mr. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply just given to the hon. Member for East Tyrone. There are at present before the Commissioners of National Education 262 applications for grants towards the erection of new school-houses which cannot be dealt with owing to the fact that the funds provided for building grants have already been earmarked for other cases. I have no reason to believe that there is any case in which the completion of a school-house already in course of erection has been delayed from want of funds.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

In view of the very large number of schools awaiting these grants will the right hon. Gentleman try to push the negotiations with the Treasury at an early date so as to get some money?

Mr. BIRRELL

If the hon. Member only knew all that I am doing with the Treasury he would not question my activity in the matter.

Captain CRAIG

asked whether the Chief Secretary is now in a position to state the result of his negotiations with the Treasury on the subject of providing a moiety of the cost of adequately heating and cleansing Irish national schools; and, if so, whether he will support the Bill for that purpose introduced by the hon. Member for East Down?

Mr. BIRRELL

The negotiations are still going on, and I am not without hope of being able to effect the object in view without recourse to legislation, but I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Captain CRAIG

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any intimation as to when will be a suitable time to put down a question?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, I will communicate with the hon. Gentleman, whom I compliment on the activity he has shown in this matter.

Mr. O'DOWD

asked whether provision has been or is being made by the Treasury to carry into effect the reform some time ago requested by the National Board and already promised, namely, to secure assistant teachers in their positions by allowing a fall of ten units in the present appointing averages before salaries are withdrawn?

Mr. BIRRELL

The matter referred to is at present the subject of correspondence between the Irish Government and the Treasury.