§ 26. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the protest made by the Irish secondary teachers against the attitude of the Intermediate Education Board in recent years towards science teaching in Irish secondary schools; if he is aware that science, which is a compulsory subject in England, was made an optional subject by the Irish Board; if he is aware that the Board, contrary to all expert opinion and the expressed opinion of the Board itself, have lately introduced a written examination for pass candidates in science, a practice condemned by the highest authorities as detrimental to the teaching of science; and whether, considering the importance of improving the teaching of science, he will take any action in the matter in view of the hostility of the Irish Intermediate Board to science teaching in Irish secondary schools?
Mr. SAMUELMy attention has not been called to the protest referred to. Science has been an optionl subject in the examinations of the Intermediate Education Board since 1910, having been, with certain exceptions, an obligatory subject from the date of its introduction in 1902 up to 1909. In their Rules for 1917 the Board have introduced a written examination for pass candidates in science. The statement that the Board is or has been hostile to science teaching in Irish secondary schools is declared by them to be contrary to fact. They have from time to time, and even in the present year, advanced large sums to the schools on exceptionally easy terms in order to enable them to provide proper equipment and appliances for the teaching of practical science. I will ask the Board to consider the hon. Member's representations on this matter at their next meeting.
§ Mr. BOLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the action of the Intermediate Board has been completely to change the system which has been operating for the last sixteen years?
§ Mr. BOLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that while there has been a great demand in this country for an increase of science teaching, the Intermediate Board is now introducing a system of examining instead of the system of inspection which has always taken place up to now?