§ Mr. KERR-SMILEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will say, during the six years ended 31st day of March, 1912, what sums of money were expended by the State on the erection of vested schools which were not wholly built at the expense of the State, and yet receive more than the two-thirds Grant; how much of this money was expended on schools under Roman Catholic management, and how much on schools under Protestant management; how many Protestant applications for this special consideration were refused during the six years; and will he state if these applications are considered by the Board or are they disposed of by the Board's officers?
§ Mr. BIRRELLDuring the six years ended the 31st March, 1912, the Commissioners of National Education sanctioned Grants to the amount of £49,720 towards the erection of vested national school-houses in cases where the Grant given was 841W in excess of two-thirds of the estimated cost of the new buildings, but was less than the entire cost. Of this amount £49,303 was for schools under Roman Catholic management, and £327 for one school under Protestant management. The total amount actually expended on these schoolhouses during the period specified was £19,382. The Commissioners are not in a position to state the exact number of applications for special Grants by Protestant managers which was refused during the six years under review, but it may be generally stated that very few such applications were received and that none were refused where the school district could be regarded as necessitous and in need of the extra aid. All applications for exceptional treatment are dealt with under Regulations laid down by the Treasury and approved by the Board.