§ Sir E. CARSON (by Private Notice)asked the Leader of the House whether the Government propose to give time for the Second Reading of the Irish Education Bill, having regard to the delays which occurred yesterday?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI greatly regret that it was not possible to take advantage of the opportunity which we afforded yesterday; but, in the present state of business, it is quite impossible to find further time tins Session.
§ Sir E. CARSONAs this is a matter which has created a considerable amount of anxiety in Ireland, would it be possible, having regard to present conditions, to make some advance to the teachers of Ireland, who are suffering the greatest hardship by reason of the postponement of this Bill?
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I join in the appeal which the right lion. Gentleman has made, on behalf of united Ireland? The very just claims of the teachers ought to be dealt with immediately. That is the only thing that matters.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThis is not the first time that I have seen unity of feeling between the two sections in Ireland, which has always been with the same object and which is not likely to secure the same unanimity amongst the taxpayers of England and Scotland. 1 will look into the question.
§ Mr. DEVLINWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement as to when these teachers are to be paid, not out of the pockets of the taxpayers of England, but by the taxpayers of Ireland?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think, possibly, that there will be a different view taken on that point in England and Scotland. This is a question on which I heard a great deal when I was Chancellor of the Exchequer. It must be considered by my right hon. Friend. I am afraid I cannot hold out much hope that it will be granted. All I can say is that it will be considered.
§ Mr. DEVLINWhen will the right lion. Gentleman be in a position to make a definite statement so that we can discuss the matter, because these teachers cannot afford to wait?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid there will be no opportunity for discussing it in any case but, in. view, of the hon. Member's great anxiety in tins matter, I am very sorry that he did not take the opportunity of having the proposals discussed yesterday.
§ Captain REDMONDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in regard to another Irish Bill proposed by the Chief Secretary, the Police Bill, an advance was made before the Bill came into operation to those policemen who were to come under it? If that was the case in regard to policemen in Ireland, why should not the same thing be done in regard to teachers?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere is really no. advantage in pressing this question. The difference between a Police Bill, where advances have already been made in 413 England and Scotland, must be obvious to the House. All that can be said has already been said, and that is that the matter will be considered.
§ Sir E. CARSONMay I remind my right lion. Friend that the teachers in England and Scotland have had very great advances, and that the condition of these teachers in Ireland is one of the gravest anxiety as to how they are to tide over the next few months?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, it is quite true there were advances to them in England and Scotland, but that happened after the passing of Bills. I can say nothing more than that it will be considered