HC Deb 07 March 1918 vol 103 cc2142-4W
Mr. KENNEDY

asked the Prime Minister if he has heard of the decision of the Irish Teachers' Central Executive to take a ballot immediately on the question of withdrawing from the schools until such time as their demands are conceded; is he aware that public meetings have been held all over Ireland proclaiming the justice and reasonableness of these claims; and will action be at once taken in this matter?

Mr. SAMUELS

A proposal for the organisation of a strike of Irish school teachers has been discussed in the newspapers and at numerous public meetings in Ireland. General support has been given to various claims of the teachers. As one of the results of a strike of teachers would be to terminate their employment and discontinue their pay, the Chief. Secretary sincerely hopes so reckless a course will not be taken.