8. Mr. D'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether he has finally arranged and can now publish the terms and conditions on which it is proposed to give the new Grant to secondary education in Ireland; whether he has considered the justice of giving a Grant proportionate to the amount given to Scotland; and when will the amount appear on the Estimates?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe proposed Grant of £40,000, referred to by the hon. Member, was promised conditionally to improve the position of assistant lay teachers in Irish secondary schools, and for no other purpose. The question of the comparative amounts granted for secondary education generally in Scotland and Ireland does not arise in connection with it. I hope to introduce early this Session a Bill regulating the application of the Grant, and, if progress is made with the measure, the Grant will be placed on the July Supplementary Estimates.
§ Mr. O'DONNELLHow soon may we expect the right hon. Gentleman to produce this Estimate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLQuite soon.
§ Mr. DILLONCan the Grant not be placed on the March Supplementary Estimates for the current school year?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat has not been agreed to by the Treasury.
§ Mr. O'DONNELLWas not this Grant promised two years ago?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI cannot say that the Grant was promised two years; it has been under consideration. Efforts on my part have been made for over two years, but no distinct promise was given.
§ Mr. DILLONWill the Grant, if placed on the July Supplementary Estimates, be available for the current school year?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOh, yes. I hope so.