HC Deb 13 January 1916 vol 77 cc1746-7
17. Mr. P. MEEHAN

asked on whose advice the actual withdrawal of education 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 Irish educational Grants?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Grants that have been effected by reductions are almost wholly within the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, and no advice has been asked or given by the Under-Secretary for Ireland in the matter.

44. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of restoring the educational Grants which have been withdrawn from Ireland?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)

The decision of the Treasury in the matter was based on the most careful consideration of all aspects of the question after consultation with the Department primarily concerned. The Treasury can act in such matters only on representations from the Department responsible to Parliament.

Mr. BYRNE

That is not an answer to my question, which is whether the Grants will be restored.

Mr. ACLAND

The answer to that, I assume, is "No."

Mr. JOHN O'CONNOR

How can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the reduction of the Grant in Ireland for technical education with the speech of his right hon. colleague the President of the Board of Trade in this House the other night?

Mr. ACLAND

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

Mr. O'CONNOR

I shall.

Mr. BYRNE

Why should there be this injustice to Ireland in the matter of education as compared with other parts of the United Kingdom?

Mr. ACLAND

The Grants have been cut down all round.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the President of the Board of Trade said there were no reductions being made of a similar character in Scotland or Great Britain?

Mr. P. MEEHAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Treasury contemplate any further withdrawals of Irish educational Grants?

Mr. ACLAND

No, Sir, I cannot say that. I am only answering on behalf of my right hon. Friend.