HC Deb 11 January 1916 vol 77 cc1439-40
31. Mr. P. MEEHAN

asked on whose advice the actual withdrawal of educational Grants in Ireland has been made; if further withdrawals of educational Grants in Ireland are being contemplated; and whether the Treasury will seek the advice of Irish educational experts willing and competent to advise before further limiting necessary Irish educational Grants?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture,) Ireland

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member of North Meath yesterday.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer to the Debate of yesterday to perceive how unwise are these economies and the cutting down of these pittances to Irish education?

Mr. FLAVIN

Why is a distinction made between Great Britain and Ireland? Why are the Grants for the first country to be continued and the Grants for the latter country discontinued?

Mr. RUSSELL

That is not so.

34. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture {Ireland) whether he has received copies of the protest now being made all over Ireland as a result of the Government withdrawing and threatening the further withdrawal of educational Grants for public education in Ireland; and whether, in view of the effect of such educational retrenchment upon the best interest of the country, he will take steps to restore Grants withdrawn and prevent any further withdrawals in reference to education?

Mr. RUSSELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the questions asked on this subject by the hon. Member for the Leix Division of the Queen's County on the 6th instant.

Mr. BYRNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—whether the Grants for education in Ireland will be restored?

Mr. RUSSELL

That question must be directed to the Treasury, not to me.

Mr. BYRNE

Mr. Speaker, I had this question down for Thursday, addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury, and I received a letter from him asking me to address it as on the Paper.

Mr. RUSSELL

My answer is that I have no power to restore the Grant.

Mr. BYRNE

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire of you of whom shall I ask the question?