§ 29. Mr. COOTEasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the Board of Intermediate Education in Ireland threaten to suspend or destroy the practical teaching of science in secondary schools, introduced and fostered with success by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction since 1901; that in 1901 there were only about six schools in Ireland provided with laboratories, whereas there are now over 250 laboratories in the country: that as a result science teaching is developing rapidly and greater interest is aroused both in masters and pupils; that this Intermediate Board are determined to destroy this system and in its room to substitute the system of text-book study and written examination in use up to 1901; and, in view of the protest made by the Protestant head masters, the Christian Brothers, and the, assistant science masters of Ireland, and the bass to the youth of the country if this threatened change is made, will he take steps to protect the system at present in use, or have the whole question fully considered by an independent authority before departing from it?
§ Mr. DUKEThe statistical matters mentioned in the question are dealt with as fully as possible in an answer given on the 15th November to the hon. Member for Kerry (South). The facts do not in my 857 opinion warrant the implied attack on the Board of Intermediate Education which is made in the question.