§ Mr. O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that inspectors of national schools use magnifying glasses for the purpose of examining needlework with a view to detecting irregularities of stitch not visible to the naked eye; whether he is aware that the severe eye strain thus caused to teachers and pupils in endeavouring to prepare for this test is producing disease of the eye; and whether he will communicate with the Commissioners of National Education in order to have an immediate stop put to this practice?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have referred the hon. Member's question to the Commissioners of National Education, and they inform me that they are not aware that inspectors use magnifying glasses for the purpose-stated, and that they have no information regarding the second paragraph of the question.