HC Deb 01 July 1913 vol 54 cc1672-3
83. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when he expects to introduce his Bill dealing with secondary education in Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's question on this subject on 11th June.

Mr. O'DONNELL

If the right hon. Gentleman were satisfied that a Bill dealing with the preparatory grade alone would be received by the House unanimously, would he then introduce it?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am most anxious to make some reform in the system of intermediate education, and I wish we had more time available for this important question, but unless there is agreement at the present stage of the Session it is impossible for me to proceed with it.

Mr. O'DONNELL

If the right hon. Gentleman could be assured of unanimity if he introduced a Bill to deal with the preparatory grade alone, would he then introduce that Bill?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not quite sure that in that case I should have the support of the Intermediate Education Commissioners, whom I am also very anxious to carry with me.

Mr. BARRIE

Is the assurance the right hon. Gentleman requires that there should be agreement with the Intermediate Education Commissioners rather than with the Members that represent Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is quite true that that does affect me. At the same time it is a technical matter. The Intermediate Education Commissioners have to carry out the working of the thing, and I should be very sorry, unless I could not help it, to disregard their well-instructed opinion.

Mr. BARRIE

Will the £40,000 Grant for secondary education be lost to Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

That has nothing to do with it.

84. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is yet in a position to say that the Grant of £40,000 for secondary education in Ireland is being voted; whether a large number of public and representative bodies in Ireland have expressed themselves strongly in favour of his proposal and not one against; and, if so, on what grounds does he justify his delay in making the Grant available?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am not at present in a position to state definitely that the Grant referred to will be voted. I am about to publish the correspondence I have had on this subject with the Catholic Head Masters' Association, and I still hope that the Grant may be made available.

Mr. O'DONNELL

When may we expect the correspondence?

Mr. BIRRELL

In a few days.