HC Deb 24 February 1920 vol 125 cc1504-5
Mr. DEVLIN

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman why it is that the Irish Education Bill is being presented for the First Beading today when no mention is made of the Bill for the future government of Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is a very easy question to answer. The Irish Education Bill was not so difficult to frame as the other Bill, but I hope that notice of that Bill will be given this evening.

Mr. DEVLIN

Is it because this is such an objectionable Bill that it is to occupy the time of Parliament?

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which Bill will be taken first?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Which Bill is objectionable?

4.0 P.M.

Mr. DEVLIN

Both are objectionable. I do not like to use adjectives, but this is the more objectionable at present. Is it to be a proof of the sincerity of the Government in their handling of the Irish problem that they are going to occupy the time of the House in discussing an Irish Education Bill when at the same time they are presenting proposals for the future government of that country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My hon. Friend has asked that question before, and I have given him the answer, which I can only repeat. Whatever the form of govern- ment, decent education is essential in Ireland, and, as was stated in the King's Speech, this Bill will be so framed that in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill taking effect it will be adjusted to suit the new conditions.

Mr. DEVLIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that the position can be justified of a Government proposing to transfer the affairs of Ireland to Ireland and yet dealing in this Parliament with a most vital question affecting Ireland?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Most certainly. Supposing that the new Irish Parliament were set up this year, they could not deal with education this year, and they would be grateful to this Parliament for having made the arrangements.

Mr. DEVLIN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman really know that the only question upon which Ireland feels intensely is the payment of the teachers' salaries. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] Why not pay the teachers their salaries and drop this Bill and let Ireland herself deal with education? No English Parliament has a right to deal with the question of education in Ireland.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think that any Parliament which has the right to pay for it has the right to deal with it.

Mr. DEVLIN

Might I ask whether Ireland is not paying for Irish education and for a good deal of English, education?