HC Deb 24 October 1912 vol 42 cc2357-8
28. Mr. CULLINAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will explain the cause of the dismissal of Mr. Mansfield, vice-president of the National Teachers' Organisation; and whether he will immediately appoint a Committee to inquire into all the circumstances surrounding this case?

29. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will explain the cause of the dismissal of Mr. Mansfield, vice-president of the National Teachers' Organisation, by the National Board of Education; and whether he will immediately appoint a Committee to inquire into all the circumstances surrounding this case?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will answer these two questions together. I have asked the Commissioners of National Education for an explanation of the cause of the dismissal of Mr. Mansfield, but I have not yet had before me particulars of the language which he is said to have used. Until I get the information it is impossible for me to say whether anything further should be done in the case.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman any control over the National Commissioners of Education?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have no control, except that as the Parliamentary representative in this House I am bound to find out the facts and to inform hon. Members.

Mr. O'DONNELL

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get information from the Board?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot say. I am in communication with them about the matter now.

Mr. O'DONNELL

May I ask whether it is a fact that Mr. Mansfield, who was at one time president of the National Teachers' Association, and is one of the best teachers in the country, has been dismissed by the Board because he refused' to withdraw a statement with regard to one of the inspectors, which statement is the absolute truth?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot say as to the truth of the statement. He has been dismissed, I understand, in consequence of refusing to withdraw the statement. I believe it was in reference to an inspector. That is all I know at present.

Mr. CULLINAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is not aware of the fact that this matter has aroused the greatest indignation in Ireland, not only amongst the national teachers, but in the county councils, district councils, and other public bodies; whether he will take immediate steps to satisfy himself as to the circumstances, and whether a genuine and open inquiry will be held? This is a serious matter.

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot take immediate steps for an open inquiry. In the first place I have to ascertain what has happened, and I am bound to form some judgment of my own on the subject. So far I have communicated with the National Commissioners over whom I have no control.

Mr. LYNCH

Can we not have this gentleman reinstated, unless there is something shown with respect to his conduct which would impair his efficiency as a teacher?