Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been called to a school history bearing the names of Mr. Fletcher, Fellow of All Souls, and Mr. Rudyard Kipling, addressed to all boys and girls who are interested in the story of Great Britain and her empire; if he can state if this history is in common use in schools; and whether, in view of the expressions of opinion set forth in the said school history, he will consider the portions of the book dealing with Irish history with a view of providing some other materials of Irish history?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)The answer to the first part of the queston is in the affirmative. I am afraid that without exhaustive inquiry I can give no answer to the second part of the question. The matter referred to in the last part of the question is one for the consideration of local education authorities, school governors, managers, and teachers. The Board do not provide or prescribe text books for use in schools.
Mr. CATHCART WASONHas the right hon. Gentleman no control whatever over the books which are issued in the schools?
§ Mr. PEASEThere are certain cases where a book might be proscribed, but in a case of this kind I do not think it would be right for the Board of Education to interfere.
Mr. CATHCART WASONIn view of the very distinct libel on the Irish race contained in the book, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the question?
§ Lord BALCARRESAre we to infer that the right hon. Gentleman admits that there are libels in the book?
§ Mr. PEASEI do not admit anything. I said in certain cases we are prepared to proscribe books, but in this particular instance I do not see my way to interfere.