HC Deb 22 July 1913 vol 55 c1864
79. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, seeing that several public bodies in Ireland have expressed their approval of his scheme for improving secondary education, he will place the Grant immediately on the Votes, leaving it to be availed of by such schools as comply with the conditions?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have nothing at present to add to my replies to the questions on this subject asked by the hon. Member on the 17th instant.

Mr. O'DONNELL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, as this matter has gone on for an extremely long time, When he will make up his mind and decide finally in regard to it?

Mr. BIRRELL

It is not a question altogether of my mind; it is pretty well made up. It is a question of other people's minds, but I hope soon to come to a decision.

Mr. HORNER

Having regard to the great necessity for more money, can the right hon. Gentleman give us any reasonable objection why some of this money should not be given to those schools willing to comply with the conditions?

Mr. BIRRELL

I do not know that I can, but I am anxious that as many schools as possible should benefit in the scheme.