HC Deb 05 April 1909 vol 3 cc884-5W
Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the apparatus and materials used for science teaching are imported into Ireland from England; if so, will ho state approximately what sums of money are leaving Ireland annually from the various technical schools where science is taught under the supervision of the Department; and what steps, if any, will he take to give Irish firms a preference of these orders should science teaching continue in the future to the extent that it has been carried on during the last five years?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL

Much of the apparatus and materials used for science teaching in Ireland has been manufactured in Ireland. A large number of pieces of apparatus for the teaching of science cannot be obtained in Ireland, and are therefore necessarily imported. It is not possible to state, even approximately, what sums of money are leaving Ireland annually for the purchase of apparatus. The Technical Schools in Ireland are administered by committees of local authorities, and purchase for themselves what they require. The Department in their own practice obtain such equipment as is possible through Irish firms, and they believe that this is generally the practice with the committees of Irish technical schools.

Mr. JOHN O'DONNELL

asked what is the cost annually and what has been the total cost up to the present of the summer courses given for science teachers; how much longer is it contemplated to continue these courses; and whether the hon. Member has any official information showing that several teachers attend these courses year after year, and go through work with which they are already thoroughly familiar?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL

The average annual cost of summer courses for science teachers is £3,689 8s. 11d., and the total cost of such courses up to the present is £29,515 11s. 8d. It is not the intention of the Department to continue these courses any longer than is necessary, but in view of their absolute necessity and usefulness the Department cannot fix a limit to their continuance. It is not the fact that several teachers attend these courses year after year and go through work with which they are already thoroughly familiar.