§ 29. Mr. P. WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether a stoppage or curtailment of the Grants for any department of Irish education is contem- 1276 plated? If so, what are the departments affected; by whom the change was suggested and by what authority it is to be carried out; and if it is proposed to ask for the consent of Parliament?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs regards stoppage or curtailment of Grants on the Vote for Science and Art in Ireland, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies of the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction to the questions of the hon. Member for North Westmeath on the 21st December and the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County on the 6th instant. A suggestion has been made by the Treasury that without any loss of efficiency an arrangement might be come to between the Intermediate Education Board and the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction with regard to the supervision of science teaching which might reduce the charge of the Exchequer, and they have asked for proposals which would enable the provision on the Vote for Public Education (Ireland) at least to remain at the present figure, if it is not possible to effect a reduction such as has been proposed, both in England and Scotland. The Votes for Education in Ireland will in due course be presented to, and their amounts determined by, Parliament.
§ Mr. DILLONCan the right hon. Gentleman publish the proposals of the Intermediate Board in reference to those science Grants?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will see if they can be got and if they can be published.