§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in 1887 there were 2,700 candidates for natural philosophy and 1,413 for chemistry in the schools under the control of the Intermediate Board, and that in 1897 these numbers had fallen, respectively, to 592 and 312; that in 1901 there were only about six science laboratories in secondary schools in Ireland, whereas there are now 265 secondary schools teaching science under the Department's rules; that science is now taught to over 15,000 pupils; whether he is aware that this progress in science teaching has been contemporaneous with the abolition of written examinations; and whether, in view of the increased necessity for science teaching, he proposes to approve of a reversion to a system which had strangled the teaching of science in Irish secondary schools?
§ Mr. DUKEWhilst the number of candidates for natural philosophy fell from 2,813 in 1887 to 608 in 1897, and in chemistry for the same years from 1,428 to 323, the Board of Intermediate Education inform me that the total number of candidates in science subjects was considerably larger in 1915 than in either 1887 or 1897. The Board are not in a position to give an accurate estimate of the number of schools which in 1901 had properly equipped laboratories, but there is no doubt that since that date there has been a very large increase in the number of such schools, and at present there are between 200 and 300 of them. The Board are not able to say without inquiry whether over 15,000 pupils are now being taught science. The causes of this notable improvement are (1) that the Board made science a compulsory subject for all candidates, except in special cases of exemption; and (2) insisted upon evidence being given that each candidate had during the year attended an adequate laboratory course of practical work. Moreover, during the past fifteen years the Board have advanced sums amounting to £36,000 for the purpose of enabling schools to provide proper laboratories and equipment. Having served its purpose of introducing science teaching, the Board in 1910 rescinded the rule which made science a compulsory subject. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question 809W that there is a reversion to the system in force prior to 1901 is, I am told, not in accordance with the facts.