§ 126. Mr. KEATINGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to extend the benefit of a war bonus to retired teachers in Ireland, seeing that in no case the amount of pension is more than half of the former salary?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. McKenna)This question is one in the first instance for the consideration of the Irish Government.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYHas the right hon. Gentleman received a petition asking for a war bonus; if so, as he has stated it is a matter for the Irish Government, will he forward that petition to the Chief Secretary for Ireland?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf I have received a petition I have no doubt that I have forwarded it to the Irish Government.
§ 127. Mr. KEATINGasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the workhouse teachers in Ireland were left out of the Birrell grant by mistake, as their salaries are paid out of the Local Taxation Account; and whether he will take steps to extend the benefit of a war bonus to workhouse teachers, seeing that they are subject to the same conditions of training, teaching, and inspection as the national teachers?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Treasury is not responsible for the payment of salary to workhouse teachers, and I cannot undertake to extend a war bonus to them.
§ Mr. KEATINGIs it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to take any steps?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe salaries are paid from the rates.