§ Sir JOHN BRIGGasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if, in view of the fact that the marriage signatures in Ireland by means of a cross or mark are six times more frequent than in other parts of the United Kingdom, he will urge upon the Education Commissioners the necessity for making compulsory the present voluntary powers of local authorities to enforce universal elementary education throughout the country?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs I have already stated, I am by no means convinced that it would be expedient at present to extend the provisions for compulsory attendance at schools in Ireland.