HC Deb 18 July 1916 vol 84 cc839-40
48. Mr. BYRNE

asked the Prime, Minister whether he is aware of the injustice being done to Irish national teachers caused by their salary being paid quarterly; and if he will take steps to see that their salary will in future be paid monthly?

Mr. SAMUEL

I regret that I can add nothing to the reply I gave on the 6th instant to the question on this subject of the hon. Member for West Clare.

Sir E. CARSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is really a question of the very gravest importance, and that these people look upon it as a great hardship that for a mere clerical matter they are put to the very greatest inconvenience in trying to live by the way their salaries are paid to them at present?

Mr. SAMUEL

I know there is a great deal of feeling on this matter among teachers. I wish it were only a clerical matter, but it is a Treasury matter, because to change the method of payment would involve bringing fourteen months into one year. If the teachers could suggest any practical scheme I should be very glad to forward it to the Treasury, and I am sure they would consider it with every desire to arrive at a satisfactory result.

Sir E. CARSON

Considering the fact that a great many people have been getting a war bonus, might not the right hon. Gentleman do this comparatively small thing for these teachers, who are finding very great difficulty? Of that I can assure him.

Mr. J. REDMOND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some little time ago the teachers put forward a scheme which was approved by Mr. Birrell when Chief Secretary for Ireland, and it was turned down by the Treasury?

Mr. SAMUEL

Yes, I believe it was found to be not acceptable to the Treasury.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep an open mind until he receives a deputation in a day or two?

Mr. SAMUEL

I was not aware that I was to receive a deputation.

Mr. BYRNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation?

Mr. SAMUEL

I will consider that.